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Although today "big oil" is responsible for most of the world's energy resources, its history is a relatively short one.

Up until modern times, petroleum oil was used only occasionally - including the 8th century when petroleum was used to create tar, which was used to pave the streets of ancient Baghdad.

It wasn't until the rise of the 19th century industrial revolution, however, that demand increased and the mass production of refined oil for energy generation really began.

Today, that industry now powers most of the world, and funds the economies of entire nations. Little wonder, then, that oil is often referred to as "black gold."

Oil, however, is a finite resource and will in time run out. Studies of the potential lifespan of the world's oil reserves predict that they will effectively be depleted in just over 40 years, sometime around the halfway mark of the 21st century.

Add to that the current controversy over global warming that hinges on worldwide use of oil, coal and natural gas. which releases heat-trapping carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The widespread use of these fossel fuels, scientists say, is a major reason for higher temperatures currently being recorded around the world including longer heat waves, droughts, and worsening wildfires.

As reserves dwindle, there are of course ways to artificially produce oil, the end product of which is typically referred to as biodiesel. It is very unlikely, however, that artificially produced biofuels will ever fully replace the world's oil consumption needs. Instead, it is inevitable that some form of alternative energy will have to be found to replace the energy needs of a rapidly growing and industrializing world.

There is another wrinkle in the dwindling supply of oil, and that is the concept of "peak oil." Oil supplies will run out a long time from now, but as we get to that point, the world's capacity of oil production will fall gradually. Once we reach the peak of production, which is predicted to happen sometime before the year 2020, the amount of oil being produced and refined will begin to fall, while the global demand for energy will continue to rise.

What this means is that a viable replacement for oil must be found much sooner than many people anticipate. The world does not have a long time to find another, more sustainable source of energy that will fill the energy needs of the global population after oil supplies have begun to decline in the coming decade.

More oil energy information around the Web:

Petroleum industry - Wikipedia - The grand sweep of information including its history, current production and distribution, environmental impact and predictions on future shortages, with related resources and references.

From the Ground Up - The World of Oil - Educational series with a look at the history, development and uses of oil in the US including a look at geological sciences and the tools employed in the discovery of oil and natural gas.

Our Oil Dependency.org - A look at the impending peak in world oil production with news and opinion on production and reserves, developments in alternative energy resources, related video, newsletters, blog.

Rigzone.com - A main industry portal for breaking international news, searchable database of related equipment and supplies, job listings, oil rig data and photos, free newsletters.

Energy Story - Fossil Fuels - Kid-friendly look at the history, distribution and uses of oil, coal and natural gas with photos, diagrams and illustrations.

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