We will soon run out of oil. Again.

As E magazine wrote in July 2000:

We have heard it all before. And we probably haven't heard it for the last time. But the argument seems not to be based on the facts. There are good reasons to believe that we will not have dramatic price increases, and that we will actually be able to handle our future energy needs.

We are a civilization built on energy

Each and every one of our actions demands energy. Our own body supplies energy equivalent to a 100 watt bulb, but already early in history man attempted to gain control over more energy, primarily through the use of animals and slaves. Not long after we also learned through technical prowess to use nature's energy: sails for ships as well as wind and water mills. Nevertheless, it was only with Watts’ invention of the steam engine in 1769 that it became possible for man to produce large amounts of energy on demand.