Are We Fooling Ourselves?

Arctic Has 90bn Barrels of Crude
by Carola Hoyos, July 23 2008  

The Arctic holds as much as 90bn [billion] barrels of undiscovered oil and has as much undiscovered gas as all the reserves known to exist in Russia, US government scientists have said in the first governmental assessment of the region’s resources.  

The report is likely to add impetus to the race among polar nations, such as Russia, the US, Denmark, Norway and Canada, for control of the region. ...  Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2008 http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/8b73777a-58e1-11dd-a093-000077b07658.html  

Are we fooling ourselves?  We might relax at the thought that there would be more oil, but what are possible, even probable, consequences of extra oil?  

·        war, as countries try to claim oil reserves;

·        procrastination by energy-sector leaders, that is, big oil companies, in making a big move to alternative fuels;  a short-term fix gives them reason to postpone what is prudent for the public;

·        less concern over conservation;  expect old driving and buying habits to return.

If you answer the multiple-choice questions below and e-mail to lessonanswers@mymontebello.com with “Lesson answers” in the subject field, you will be credited toward a “certificate of recognition in community affairs” to be awarded in 2008 by a local nonprofit organization. 

1. What is the news?

(a) There is more oil than previously thought.

(b) The Arctic ice cap is growing.

2. Why is this news not good news?

(a) The chance of war increases.

(b) People will have less reason to adopt good conversation habits.

(c) The oil companies will have more reason to postpone conversion to alternative fuels.

October 9, 2008