Information - GB1 In 30 years petroleum will have become a little-used energy source
Event Information
The motion will be debated between two each, each with two members.
Speaking for the motion are Ken Deffeyes from Princeton University and Jean Laherrere. They may argue along the following lines: (1) Global production of petroleum has reached a peak and future consumption will exceed supply. Increasing demand in large developing countries will exacerbate the problem. Total resources are uncertain and estimates are unreliable. (2) The need to curb emissions of greenhouse gases will require that we find substitutes for petroleum as an energy source
Arguing against the motion are Mike Lynch of MIT and Yves Mathieu of the Institut francais de Petrol. Their arguments might include (1) Petroleum companies and governments only develop resources for a limited time – since the start of petroleum usage resources have been adequate for 20-30 and will remain so. (2) New technology will improve recovery and open up new resources to meet future demand. The production peak has not yet been reached.
Argument for both sides: Market forces and/or political factors will assure that petroleum will be used/conserved/wasted according to the needs of industrial and developing societies.
Richard Black, a science reporter of the BBC, will moderate the debate.
Preliminary List of Solicited Speakers
Ken Deffeyes – Princeton University
Jean Laherrere –
Mike Lynch – MIT
Yves Mathieu – Institut francais de Petrol
Co-Sponsorship
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