Introduction to OilSalutations. My name is Sizemik, and I am a small, nocturnal mammal with huge eyes. In other words, a flying squirrel. Hi. How are you today?It may be sticky, smelly, and impossible to get off a shirt, but to many it is known as "black gold." Since the late 19th-century, oil has been a huge force in the world's economy-and our everyday lives. Perhaps you know that oil is essential for running the overwhelming majority of our cars, but did you know that it also appears in plastic, fabrics, and even food? If all the oil in the world were to suddenly disappear, we'd be in a very bad state indeed. Fortunately, we don't have to worry about that. Or do we? Oil is a "non-renewable resource," meaning that what we're pulling out of the ground is not being replaced by nature at the same rate. So, how much oil is left? And how much longer have we got before it all runs out? These questions open up a black, sticky, and (presumably) well-lubricated flood of debates that will continue for the next few decades. Regardless of your political or environmental views, oil will continue to drive the world's economy for decades to come. So maybe it's time you got down and dirty, and delved into the fascinating world of oil! Note: The Family Learning Nook was created through funding from BP. The views expressed on this website do not represent those of BP.
|