Facing up to the future.

In the 1970s there were dire warnings that the world was in energy free fall and come the end of the century--in 25 years time--all our energy would run out and bring about a new Dark Age.

Well, the Millennium came and went without any energy shortfall--or even a computer bug to bring

Have you noticed how often all those highly paid professional forecasters get it wrong?

Not only did the energy not run out but with the conversion to computers in offices everywhere and the move to automated factories as well as the growth of the Internet, I would guess that we are using far more energy today than we did 25 years ago.

Now there are new, even more frightening warnings to shake us out of our complacency.

And that old 'world energy will run out in 25 years time' record is being played again.

This time the record is being played by the International Energy Agency (IEA), which represents 25 countries and says in its World Energy Outlook report that reserves of fossil fuels will meet rapidly rising demand only until 2030 and then only if there is massive investment in new facilities. It is also predicted that carbon dioxide emissions will have risen by 52% by 2030 but growth in fossil fuel use will make it impossible to cut greenhouse gas emissions, especially with energy needs growing faster in developing countries, such as China and Africa.

So once again we are told that we have a 25 year cut off point before the oil, gas and electricity runs out, and we could be plunged into a new Dark Age.

Honestly, I would not get too concerned about it.

The coatings industry is suffering from the oil price hikes that have a knock on effect oil nearly every component used in the industry. But at the end of the day the oil companies are still reporting record profits,

There is probably a lot more that could be done to cut back on energy waste with more work in the fields of conservation and the clean burning of fuel.

As for the oil running out and society reverting to a Mad Max type

of civilisation--the forecasters are wrong again--that could only happen in the Movies.

Chemical scholars

There are continuing concerns about the poor general image of the chemical industry and the need to raise its profile and promote the benefits of chemicals to the young in particular. The young are turning their backs on chemistry as a career and this should worry the whole industry.

I was therefore pleased when John Boler, an old friend from the industry, sent me the newly published 'Molecules Matter' learning pack, a resource aimed at the young scholar.

Sponsored by Thomas Swan & Co and published by the Chemical Industry Education Centre 'Molecules Matter' aims to support the teaching of citizenship for 11-16 year olds and general studies at post 16 level. It spells out the benefits and risks of chemical products and processes and why we will always need to use and understand chemicals. At last!

Let us hear from you!

What do do think of this issues? Does anything in it make you feel pleased or angry? Let us know. We are an open forum fall all views. Letters to the editor for publication can be emailed to: alancork@uk.dmgworldmedia.com

Alan Cork, Managing Editor