Hydrocarbons and the evolution of human culture

Charles Hall (), Pradeep Tharakan, John Hallock, Cutler Cleveland () and Michael Jefferson ()
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Charles Hall: State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Pradeep Tharakan: State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
John Hallock: State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Cutler Cleveland: Center for Energy and Environmental Studies, Boston University
Michael Jefferson: Global Energy & Environmental Consultants, The Old Stables

Nature, 2003, vol. 426, issue 6964, 318-322

Abstract: Abstract Most of the progress in human culture has required the exploitation of energy resources. About 100 years ago, the major source of energy shifted from recent solar to fossil hydrocarbons, including liquid and gaseous petroleum. Technology has generally led to a greater use of hydrocarbon fuels for most human activities, making civilization vulnerable to decreases in supply. At this time our knowledge is not sufficient for us to choose between the different estimates of, for example, resources of conventional oil.

Date: 2003
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DOI: 10.1038/nature02130

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