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“Explain and Concept of ‘Peak Oil’, and Outline the Possible Consequences of Peak Oil for the Global Economy”

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“Explain and concept of ‘peak oil’, and outline the possible consequences of peak oil for the global economy”

The theory of ‘peak oil’ refers to the inevitable peaking and consequent decline in the amount of oil produced in any nation throughout the world. The term ‘peak oil’ usually refers to the time when the maximum rate of global petroleum extraction is reached after which a terminal decline in the rate of production occurs (Heinberg, R. 2003, pg. 97-98). There is an ongoing debate about when peak oil will occur; some economists deem it to be decades away, while others believe it has come to pass all ready (Strahan, P. 2007, pg. 202). As the world is so reliant on this finite resource it is a crucial problem that needs to be …show more content…

As the price of oil continues to rise it will spur a great demand for alternate energy sources to be discovered. Coal and liquefied gas a feasible substitutions for oil, however they can only be used provisionally as they are both finite resources as well. The ever-increasing price for oil has the potential to mitigate global warming as the harmful emission from fossil fuel usage promotes newer cleaner alternatives to be sourced. This is not the solution for climate change, however it will aid in decelerating global warming for a period of time. Means of transportation would be cut down too much simpler methods, such as walking or riding a bicycle. (Sharpe, S. & Tranter, P. 2010 pg. 290). Both of these methods of transport needs exertion of energy and can aid in improving ones fitness and a change to a healthier lifestyle. This is a step forward in tackling the global obesity epidemic. With the decline in the number of personal motor vehicles on the roads, urban areas can therefore be seen as not only environmentally friendly but child friendly as well (Tranter, P. & Sharpe, S 2007).

It is evident that the global economy is extremely dependent on oil, and the concept of peak oil will have a severe effect on civilization and the way in which our society functions. Food production and transportation are a vital part of our economy and are taken for granted in today’s society. However, without oil it will see these areas

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