Is there any replacement for the non-fuel uses of oil?
Posted: Wed 08 Dec 2010, 12:37:25
Was wondering the other day.. it seems like all our discussion is about peak oil as it pertains to energy -- but what about all the other things oil is used for? Plastics, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, the list goes on and on.
One thing everyone pretty much agrees on is that the oil will literally "run out" one day. Yes, I know it's the decline that's the problem and it won't run out for good in our lfietimes -- but eventually, it will.
So that's what I was wondering about, what happens when it runs out for good. Is there any possible alternative to make plastics from? And drugs, pesticides, all that stuff?
And, does anyone know what percentage of oil goes to these non-energy uses? Is a shortage on the non-energy oil products not a problem until the far future, or will that happen sometime sooner on the downward slope?
One thing everyone pretty much agrees on is that the oil will literally "run out" one day. Yes, I know it's the decline that's the problem and it won't run out for good in our lfietimes -- but eventually, it will.
So that's what I was wondering about, what happens when it runs out for good. Is there any possible alternative to make plastics from? And drugs, pesticides, all that stuff?
And, does anyone know what percentage of oil goes to these non-energy uses? Is a shortage on the non-energy oil products not a problem until the far future, or will that happen sometime sooner on the downward slope?