What happens when the oil runs out?
We cannot go on using oil forever. We can do so for a few more decades - perhaps until 2070, then it will run out - or at least, there will be hardly any left.
At present, there is still plenty of oil under the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Engineers keep finding new sources of oil, but there are some unavoidable issues with fossil fuels which cannot be ignored.
Scientists are making new forms of oil, using plants, and most of the oil that we eat comes from plants. It is sometimes possible to make petrol from this oil, like some types of diesel-fuel. But even this form of energy presents certain problems.
Alternative energy is still relatively new and cannot meet our needs yet.
Oil is still vital, but the world is nearing a critical point.
