Oil is a finite, non-renewable resource that has enabled our comfortable lifestyle for decades. Almost every aspect of our lives is dependent upon cheap oil. If you're skeptical, think about how you get to work, how you power your home, how your food is grown, how your clothes are made and where the products you buy come from.
The term "peak oil" refers to the end of cheap oil, as we deplete the high-quality, easily-extracted reserves. The remaining oil will be farther away, in smaller reserves and of lower quality, according to the Post Carbon Institute. This means that it will be more difficult and more expensive to extract, refine and transport the oil. Many scientists and researchers believe we have already reached the peak of oil production, and are heading into decline.
The term "peak oil" refers to the end of cheap oil, as we deplete the high-quality, easily-extracted reserves. The remaining oil will be farther away, in smaller reserves and of lower quality, according to the Post Carbon Institute. This means that it will be more difficult and more expensive to extract, refine and transport the oil. Many scientists and researchers believe we have already reached the peak of oil production, and are heading into decline.
What does this mean for our way of life? The End of Suburbia is an excellent (and entertaining) documentary that provides some insight:
There is a sequel called Escape from Suburbia, which shows how some folks are adjusting their lives and preparing for the inevitable changes. I'll provide more info about the positive changes people are making in a separate post.
