Abstract

Michael Renner argues there is a downside to the success of finding additional oil deposits because it perpetuates oil-dominated energy system of growing proportions. The more that the world pumps and burns oil, the more it destabilizes the earth's climate, with potentially catastrophic consequences for the planet's habitability. Thus, just at a time when the major industrial powers are single-mindedly working to find and secure more oil, the real challenge is to put in place a transition toward alternative sources of energy.