The future without oil, minerals etc

Based on current discovery rates and existing geologic surveys, researchers have estimated that 1.6 billion metric tons of copper exist that could potentially be brought into use. This figure relies on the broadest possible definition of available copper as well as a lack of energy constraints and environmental concerns.

Unconventional resources

Deep-sea nodules are estimated to contain 700 million tonnes of copper.
Click to expand...
omgads only 2.3 billions tons of copper that we can probably use!

by time that runes out we can probably just mine asteroids
 
Ok.Most of the answers are, we will be fine, we will find something else, I am guessing those who are arguing this are not professionals working in the field.

Predictions seem to be usually off. But our resources are finite, of that most people wouldn't argue, unless of course something supernatural happens. So the mentality is, 'we will be fine for the next few years/decades so who cares'.

But in reality there is no way to replace the efficiency of crude oil, maybe some ways to produce energy via Geo-Environmental resources, but no real way to replicate the plastics and all the chemicals we use that are distilled from oil in any efficient manner(respective to crude oil).

Point I am making is, finite + constant increasing demand does not equate and something has to give. Maybe I should join the green party.
 
Except we can replace oil.
Yes resources on earth are finite. But the earth contains so much mineral we can't use it all. Ever considered how much even the top 3km of the earth crust ways and how much resources that contains.

Nothing but scaremongering by the usuall people.

They are scaling back fracturing in USA as they are producing more than the demand and at silly cheap prices. They have enough gas for well a long time.

It's also a myth that fertiliser comes from crude oil, we get it from natural gas amongst others, see how fracturing and shake has changed our suplliers of that.
 
Last edited:
If we really was running out of stuff then they wouldn't outlaw perfectly good sources of other materials that would do the same job.

Back off here comes the example > Hemp.
About Hemp
Hemp is one of the purest, most complete plants on Earth.
Its uses are many and varied; of particular value to humans are the nutritional and healing properties of Hemp seed and its oil.
Hemp grows almost anywhere and requires no pesticides or fertiliser. The plant is good both for the soil and the atmosphere. The potential for Hemp is vast - including sustainable bio-mass (power) and bio-diesel (fuel).
Hemp also makes an excellent source of textile and paper. The fibres are long and very strong, making the most beautiful fabric and paper. Many of the world's most famous historical works are written on hemp paper.
Click to expand...
Hemp Textile
people have been using hemp to make textile for some 6000 years all over the world. The hemp plant grows to heights of 15-20 foot and the fibre, when stripped from the plant, is as long as the plant itself, giving hemp added strength when woven into textile.
The oldest tradition of hemp cultivation is in China. The discovery of new softening techniques and the investment of millions of dollars into the hemp factories in China has resulted in Hemp garments that still retain all the traditional qualities of hemp textile but with a softness and quality that has not been seen before.
Click to expand...
Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil is extracted from raw hemp seed and contains a fully balanced spectrum of essential fatty acids. When processed and stored correctly, the beneficial properties of the oil can be readily absorbed by the skin. Hemp seed oil is noted for these benefits:
Superb moisturiser, natural anti-inflammatory
Rare source of gamma-linoleic acid
Protects from UV radiation and pollution
Assists healing, soothes acne
Prevents and repairs hair damage
Treats eczema and psoriasis
Rich in anti-oxidant
Click to expand...
The British Empire was built on hemp. The ships all used hemp, from the sails to the ropes down to the sailor's uniforms. At one point Britain and France went to war over protecting the Russian hemp supplies, as the Russian hemp made the strongest sails and ropes.
And the American Declaration of Independence 200 years ago was signed on paper made from hemp.
George Washington was a hemp farmer....
And Bill Clinton did inhale...
Dunno about Tony Blair though
Click to expand...

;)
 
Oh and as for plastic, that can be made from virtually any hydrocarbon. ATM most plastic is made from the by products of gas refining, specifically the removal of ethane.


Basically most of the we die with out oil, is totally bogus.
 
Last edited:
Glaucus said:
Why?
Click to expand...

For example a lot of elderly die during normal winters in the UK and other developed countries. A lot of people die from various shortages and various conditions throught the developed world, which would only be made 1000x worse without fuel and resources.

Would be even worse in 3rd world countries, although they are all ready living with such things, but stuff like aid/relief reaching them would be effected for a start.
 
Craterloads said:
For example a lot of elderly die during normal winters in the UK and other developed countries. A lot of people die from various shortages and various conditions throught the developed world, which would only be made 1000x worse without fuel and resources.

Would be even worse in 3rd world countries, although they are all ready living with such things, but stuff like aid/relief reaching them would be effected for a start.
Click to expand...



You're asuming we haven't replaced oil by this point.
Also for national grid and gas for heating. Oil isn't used anyway. Well there's a tiny bit on the national grid still but it's being phased out.

Roll out of electric vehicles is allready underway. Oil doesn't have to be used to make plastics/fertiliser etc. in fact most of it isn't made from oil anyway. It's made from gas by products.

Also oil isn't going to suddenly run out either. We have plenty of time for the switch. We don't have to ditch oil 100% we just need to match any decline in oil, with increase in alternative fuels/products.

People also forget that crude oil contains a lot of different things that are distiller off, Not all are in high demand. So a shortage in petroleum, does not automatically mean a shortage for all the other by products of crude oil.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom