Climate change, Carbon footprint / tax, etc, etc,
Forget it. The real reason for all of the above is sheer panic, in high places, brought about by two words, PEAK OIL
Yes folks, it's running out, fast - and the're scared. Look at this report,
Statistical Review of World Energy 2009 (published yearly by BP)
Statistical Review of World Energy 2009 | BP
Quotes from the report
Global proved oil reserves in 2008 fell by 3 billion barrels to 1,258 billion barrels, with an R/P ratio of 42 years. Declines in Russia, Norway, China and other countries offset increases in Vietnam, India and Egypt. The 2007 figure has been revised higher by 23.1 billion barrels, with the largest upward revisions in Venezuela and Angola.
Bit better for gas.
Global proved reserves of natural gas increased by 7.97 tcm in 2008 to 185.02 trillion cubic meters and the R/P ratio increased to 63.1 years
Certainly oil and gas are still being discovered, but factor in the rise of demand by India and China. (There is also demand destruction in the west caused by the current recession), etc. A complex subject indeed.
But there we have it. 42 years (or thereabouts) - and it's
ALL OVER.
Flying Lid