From material presented in this book (see table 2.3), it is clear that the ratio of fuel resources to production rates (R/ P) are substantially greater than 100 years for many fuels. Why is there widespread concern that we shall soon run out of energy?

Table 2.3 Proven Reserves and Ratio of Proven Reserves to Production for Major World Regions R/P 46 Petroleum Natural Gas Coal Uranium (OECD/NEA, 2007) Region 2010 R/P 2010 2008 Proven Reserves (109 R/P 2007 R/P Proven (years) Proven (years) tonnes), (years) Proven (yeai Reserves Reserves total/bituminoustanthracite Reserves (109 (1012 (106 bbls) m3) tonnes) North 74-3 15 9.9 12 245.1/112.8 231 America South 2394 94 7.4 12.5/6.9 148 and Central America Europe 139.7 22 63.1 60 304.6/93 257 and Eurasia Middle 752.5 82 75.8 200 1.2/1.2 127 East Africa 132.1 36 14.7 71 31.7/31.7 >100 Asia- 45.2 15 16.2 33 265.8/1593 57 Pacific World 1526.3 42 187.1 59 861/404.8 5-5 100+ 118 Source: BP (2011)