Meeting Energy Needs for Global Economic Development

The peak oil demand argument overlooks the necessity of meeting energy needs for the growing global population. China and India are demonstrating the potential for economic and energy advancement for billions of people. Countries in Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America, and beyond are at various stages of economic growth and energy advancement. The desire for improved lifestyles and economic development drives the need for more energy. Examples like South Korea show that with the right government and economic systems, countries can progress from poverty to wealth within a generation. Pessimism about the world staying poor is unfounded, especially in Asia, where economic advancement is evident and will require increased energy consumption.