Abstract
The future of energy in general, and of petroleum in particular, is reviewed in all its many aspects. The difficulty of forecasting is emphasised and the exponential growth of populations, the shortages resulting from ever increasing worldwide industrialisation and the inherent atmospheric pollution and global warming that follow are discussed. A recasting of our mind, our vocabulary, our educational system, and a need for a value system enshrining sustainability over generations are recommended for the future. Furthermore, a revaluation of resources and government strategy, the need for technical innovations and analysis of the scale of our problems, are argued for and it is concluded that the means exist to make our future more congenial, although the author is pessimistic that the will and resolution to act in time can be summoned.
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