Full proceedings are available at the link, including downloads of respective presentations and a transcription of the roundtable discussion that followed the presentations.
Only the introductory/welcome comments from the day are reproduced below.
“When we first started publicising this conference a few months ago one or two known sceptics questioned why we did not have a more ‘balanced’ line-up of speakers to promote a so-called ‘open debate’ over when global oil production might peak. Our answer was this: Sooner or later it inevitably will, so what’s the point of debating it?
Whether Peak Oil happens this decade, next decade or even later we believe is a lesser concern than the need to prepare for as smooth a transition as possible to a less oil-dependent world. The fact is that no one knows or can predict precisely when Peak Oil will occur, so if you came here today to find out, you may be disappointed. As one of today’s speakers, Matthew Simmons, has aptly described it, Peak Oil is “a rear view mirror phenomenon”.
However, what you will hear today are some distinguished experts discussing many of the worrying signs that Peak Oil may be fast approaching, how finding and producing new supplies of economically recoverable oil to meet the world’s ever-growing needs is becoming increasingly difficult, and most importantly, what that implies economically, politically and otherwise.
Depletion Scotland and our colleagues at The Oil Depletion Analysis Centre (ODAC) in London are dedicated to raising awareness and promoting better understanding of the Peak Oil problem. The aim of this conference is to focus attention on the inescapable fact that there are real limits to growth in oil supplies. As we enter the age of oil depletion, chances are the currently high oil prices will rise much higher – and that must be of concern to everyone.
We are extremely grateful to our speakers for agreeing to give us the benefit of their expert knowledge and insights today, and to you for coming to listen, learn and participate in the discussions. There should be ample opportunity to engage with the speakers and with each other throughout the course of the day.
We hope this afternoon’s roundtable session will provide a good opportunity to explore some of the broader issues arising out of the earlier presentations. To help structure the discussion and use the available time most effectively, we are asking for suggested questions in advance. You can submit them on the forms provided at any time during the day.
Also, we have arranged for the day’s full proceedings to be videotaped and audio recorded so that a complete record can be made available later for public distribution. Since we do not want anyone to feel inhibited about what they say, please let us know if you have any concerns about this and we will make sure not to infringe your privacy.
Finally, we thank you again for coming. We hope that you leave at the end of the day with at least some of your expectations met.”
