The truth is, petroleum oil is much more than a fuel. Let's put it this way, our world is a large system with billions of moving parts and currently its blood is petroleum. Not only does it serve as fuel for about 98% of our 300 million cars and trucks on the road but it also makes the everyday things most people don't realize are petroleum based. These can include modern medicine, cosmetics, plastics and rubber, and other things. Petroleum also powers 100% of the United State's farm equipment and 99% of the railways. It was known for a long period of time that petroleum supply would run out because it is not a renewable resource but current projections show that oil peak (the point at which 1/2 of the estimated easily accessible oil has been extracted from the earth) will come in a matter of several decades. Since petroleum has the greatest energy density and is the most flexible source of energy, ever since the first U.S. oil well was drilled in 1859, oil has been an important factor in the United States economic and social growth. With demand for this black liquid gold increasing, prices of oil are increasing but supply however is decreasing as a reflection of this. Petroleum currently is key to developing countries in Asia because there is nothing else that works so well. Unfortunately, as I have stated, this will not be here forever.  That's why we need to find solutions. Every new thing learned about hydrogen fuel cells and bio-fuels is a step in the right direction. Once we can substitute petroleum with renewable resources we will be in great shape. However, currently less than 3% of cars today use alternative energies and in our nation and less than 1% of the energy produced is made by solar or wind. Until we truly go green we can still rely on conservation of our petroleum. It is easier and cheaper than researching new alternatives and it fits the following scenario: "Every gallon of gas that is not used is a gallon of gas saved". Saving gas is always a positive and with gas prices increasing rapidly, now is not a bad time to start.

 

 

 

 

Left) This History Channel Documentary Explains what a worst case scenario event of a possible oil crisis would be like. This is unlikely but possible.

Right) And no you can't grow petroleum on a farm with tractors (Episode Fragment of British Car Show Top Gear)