The myth of vanishing resources just will not die. Just in case you find someone to listen, here are a few facts:
In 1947, proven oil reserves were 68 billion barrels. Between 1947 and 1998 we used 783 billion barrels. And, in 1998, proven reserves stood at 1,000 billion barrels.
Or, in 1966 world reserves of natural gas were one quadrillion cubic feet. Between 1966 and 1998 we used two quadrillion cubic feet. Reserves in 1998 were five quadrillion cubic feet.
In 1949 world coal reserves were 256 billion short tons. Between 1949 and 1998 we used 168 billion short tons – and coal reserves stood at 1,000 billion short tons.
As Julian Simon proved, people are the ultimate resource. Natural resources expand as people develop them. Agricultural production continues to outpace population growth and global forests are, on net, ex-panding not contracting.
Reprint permission given by AgAir Update, P.O. Box 850, Perry, GA 31069 - an international agricultural aviation publication.
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