Map of proven oil reserves in the World at end 2001 Thousand million barrels
 |
| Source: BP Annual Energy Review, 2001 |
Nature was partial in providing oil deposits.
Some nations have much more than they can consume.
Other nations need more than they have. 75 per cent of the world’s proven oil
reserves are in the Middle East around the Persian Gulf...and there has been a mad free
for all scramble to get it — hook or by crook. Nations are willing to fight, bomb,
maim and kill.
Consumption shows a very different picture. USA who produces only about 3 per cent of
the oil, consumes 30 per cent. In 2000, the Canadian consumption of oil was 20.71 barrels
per person, some 28 times higher than the Indian consumption of 0.75.
It’s a crude world. Nations are quick to stake claim on or control oil rich lands.
Yet, when it comes to the social and environmental devastation acquiring and consuming oil
creates, no one is willing to take responsibility. Are we stuck with the dirty and viscous
politics of petroleum? Or can we create other sources of energy?
 |
|
Oil production soars to 20 million barrels a year
> 1870s
|
Robert Nobel arrives in Baku, capital of
Azerbaijan. He and his brother soon supplied the world with half its oil.
> 1873 |
The first oil well in Texas
> 1887 |
Henry Ford introduces the assembly line method of production.
Cars are mass-produced
> 1913-14 |
|
 |
> 1876
Nokolaus Otto patents the gasoline powered four-stroke engine |
> 1896
Henry Ford builds and sells his first car Quadracycle, for $200 and uses the money to
build another one |
> 1920
USoil production reaches 450 million barrels. Fear of running out.
Search for oil turns worldwide |
