Petroleum is available on Earth in finite amounts. This means that if we continue to use them, fossil fuels will eventually run out. It is very difficult to estimate when this is likely to happen. It depends on how quickly we use up the reserves. It seems likely that liquid petroleum may have run out in about 50-80 years time - within the lifetime of some people alive today. Fuels such as coal and oil shale will probably last a good deal longer.

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As you think of a consequence, add it to the map in its own circle. Think of both \"good\" and \"bad\" consequences and technological, environmental, social and political consequences. You can show relationships between consequences using arrows.

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Main Focus:

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Some scientists continue to research the extraction of materials and energy from biomass to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels

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Discuss the need for alternative sources of the compounds presently obtained from the petrochemical industry

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What will happen as petroleum runs out?