Oil is a non-renewable natural liquid made up of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and is often referred to as a fossil fuel. Also known as crude oil, it has the potential to become many end products such as gasoline pumped into automobiles or airplanes, as well as industrial and consumer plastics. Many scientists have warned of the possibilities and repercussions of peak oil, but these warnings have been dismissed. Peak oil occurs when the rate of global oil production shifts from its current upward trend to an inevitable decline (Robinson, 2004). The North Sea, Alaska and Canarell in Mexico are major oil fields already in obvious decline. Australia's Bass Straight reached peak oil production in 1985 and has not recovered. Similarly, Australia's total oil production has been in steady decline since 2000 and is expected to continue (Robinson, 2004). Since the industrial revolution, oil has become a vital source of oil. energy and production for industries and civilization in general. It would therefore be illogical to completely stop oil production and rely entirely on other scientific methods, such as alternative energy sources, which currently barely contribute**, as this would have disastrous consequences . For example, if Australia's wheat crops were converted to ethanol, which can be used as an alternative fuel source, current oil needs would only be offset by about 9% and there would be no bread or wheat for export (Robinson, 2004). However, as oil production levels have clearly peaked as demand increases and are expected to continue to increase, it is clear that adaptations in fuel use and efficiency need to be implemented. Australia is already overpopulated with 20 million people....... middle of document ......d financial strain on individuals with rising fuel prices and other expenses. Works Cited Crean, S. (2010) Petroleum Explorations and Exports: New Frontiers, accessed 23 August 2010, http://www.alp.org.au/federal-government/news/petroleum-exploration-and-exports-new- frontiers/Author Unknown, (2007) Economic Impact of Peak Oil Part 3, accessed August 23, 2010, http://www. theoildrum.com/node/2984Sohn, Mary L. (2010) Fossil Fuels, accessed August 20, 2010, http://www.chemistryexplained.com/Fe-Ge/Fossil-Fuels.htmlhttp://www.docbrown.info / page04/OilProducts04.htmhttp://www.professorshouse.com/your-home/environmentally-friendly/why-recycle-plastic.aspxRobinson, BW & Fleay BJ & Mayo SC (2006) Impact of oil depletion on Australia, accessed on August 22, 2010, http://www.aspo-australia.org.au/References/Abstract_Lisbon_Robinson.pdf