The consequences of fracking are not known. Some of the chemicals were shown to leak into the aquifer. Instantly an industry study demonstrated that fracking does not impact the environment. And one can expect that from now on. A flood of industry studies countering what can be shown to be happening.

Burning petroleum products cannot be sustained indefinitely without disastrous consequences for the environment, even if they were unlimited. Another truth which is countered by industry studies faster than you can light a Marlboro. And another truth which is obvious.

The increase of the world’s population will suck up energy at a tremendous rate, possibly faster than new technologies can meet the demand. And that doesn’t take into consideration that an increased standard of living for many of them will take more energy.

So there is a technology with probably a fatal flaw driving a manner of energy production which cannot be continued indefinitely. And this technology would have to increase the available energy faster than the population uses it.

I’m saying that a fouled aquifer, increased climate warming, population growth and increased standard of living will combine to defeat combustion in the end. Unfortunately, capitalism will promote the least expensive means of energy production until it’s more expensive, which means the environment will be sacrificed. In the name of “efficiency”.