2007-02-13 18:14:05 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Environment
I am a petroleum major, for hydrocarbons, about 50 years max.
2007-02-13 18:16:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
We will never completely deplete any resource. Of course there will be a point where we can't access certain remaining resources. THere are tons of Oil undereneath California, but some are so hard to access that it cost more energy to pump it out than it is worth. I think the peak production is in 30 years for oil. Coal I think our reserve can last a lot longer. I think that the estimated reserve can last will over a century.
2007-02-13 18:30:05 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
On the oil issue, we have about 30-40 years of relatively lower cost oil remaining, based on proven reserves and projections of consumption.
As we approach and ultimately go past that point, the price of oil will rise considerably, and alternative fuel sources, which are currently not cost-competitive, will become more economically viable.
The oil companies have a vested interest in keeping prices from going too high over the long-term, since once prices exceed a certain point, alternative energy options are more likely to be developed and used in a way that might reduce oil consumption to some degree.
2007-02-13 18:51:13 · answer #3 · answered by DavidGC 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only the oil companies know for sure. And they have a direct economic stake in making folks think that natural resources are scarecer than they actually are (that is, if we think we're running out of energy, we'll pay more for it)!!!
2007-02-13 18:17:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
hard to say! the earth reproduces what we use. the problem is we use up more than is can make back u see. its not 50 50
2007-02-13 18:22:06 · answer #5 · answered by ohmydrpepper 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋