ENERGY: Time running out for fossil fuels
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A permanent decline in worldwide oil production is virtually certain to start within 20 years as the fossil fuel begins to run out, a geologist warns in the leading science journal Nature Today.
Between 1985 and 1995, oil consumption rose by 16 per cent, with nearly of all this due to an increase in production by members of Opec, the Middle East dominated oil countries cartel. But, says Craig Bond Hatfield of the University of Toledo, Ohio, geological data indicates that within the next 10 years the oil production of non-Opec countries like Britain will start a permanent decline. If current consumption rates continue, then, given known reserves and estimated reserves, the oil would last until 2057. Nicholas Schoon
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments