ABSTRACT
Worldwide consumption of petroleum products is increasing. Developing countries need petroleum to fuel this economic growth. However, the supply is limited, and political and economic pressures at international levels often limit the extraction amounts. Furthermore, the ef—ciency of the use of petroleum products has not been a primary concern, as shown by the sheer number of gas guzzling cars produced for U.S. consumption. In summary, demand is up, the production is often constrained, and the supply is limited. Should we be concerned for future generations? In the future, will shortages of petroleum drastically constrain economic growth, maybe even cause severe consequences to human welfare and health? Can we constrain our current consumption to ensure that future generations will have a reasonable supply? Should we now place greater economic resources on developing alternative energy forms? Should we even worry about future generations? These are questions that are relevant to sustainability and the civil engineering profession.
