Not A Comforting Thought

[Craig.]

Thus we should be looking for and accepting a new fuel source. I have no problem with new sources of power being introduced. And if they do, like i said i dont care if oil runs out when i am dead. I did some research and apparently of the current oil supply known to us there is 30 years worth of supply left. And they think there is a further 40 years worth that hasnt been discovered.

[Woodlouse2002]

Yes. that's assuming these saftey standards are followed...also I'm not sure about depleted uranium being safe, it is suspected for several health problems in areas where it was used as munitions...

Nuclear power is one field where you don't skimp on safety standards. And as for the uranium at the end of the process, well, stick it in a rocket and send it into space. Or even into the sun if you don't feel like littering up the solar system.

[ozzy72]

But the way some of those American cars (especially Hummers) drink it it won't last 5

[Craig.]

I don't think its fair to criticise Hagars generation

I wasnt just criticising his generation but every generation that has been using oil. we have all been ignorant and too reliant on it.

[Woodlouse2002]

And they think there is a further 40 years worth that hasnt been discovered.

And the man who discovers that stash is destined to become very rich indeed.

[Craig.]

Start digging Woody, maybe your corner of Cornwall has some underground reserves:)

[commoner]

Just like your generation were. Just like any generation that has been using oil has been. maybe now it will kick someones ass into gear to find a viable alternative.

 ...mmm.... ..it maybe of course that there IS no viable alternative....not one that could sustain the West as it now does...........that is a possibility we should face up to. It wouldn't be the end of humanity course.........just a chance to start again for the people of this planet by those who just don't need the beastly stuff...............commoner

[Craig.]

Well we are a resourceful bunch. i have a feeling space exploration will come into play with what we can gather as fuel from other planets. I would imagine other planets in our solar system have tons of viable options.

[Hagar]

Well we are a resourceful bunch. i have a feeling space exploration will come into play with what we can gather as fuel from other planets. I would imagine other planets in our solar system have tons of viable options.

The point is how do you get into space without fuel? I don't think space is the answer. We should be thinking about putting our own backyard in order or, in the immortal words of Private Fraser: "We're all doomed I tell you".

There's also the pollution problem to think about. Oil is responsible for much of it. Nuclear power stations have been callously pumping all their contaminated waste into the oceans for years without a thought for the environment & the fish we need for food. I think we'll soon be forced into accepting that the way we've become used to living is gone for ever. It's perfectly possible to live happily without all the luxuries we take for granted now. My parents were doing this only 50 years ago.

[Craig.]

See heres the thing Doug. Usually i am a pessimist(sp?). However when it comes to things like this that require a solution i like to think optimisticly. If i am going to complain about it, i might aswell offer suggestions aswell.
Space shuttles are run off nuclear power and liquid nitrogen i believe.

[jordonj]

Actually...I belive it's H2O2 (dunno what the chemical name is)...but I think oil is required to make it...

And what if something goes wrong and the waste re-enters the atmosphere and evaporates?  Who's to know how the sun will react if we shoot radioactive stuff into it?

Not so simple is it?

[Hagar]

Space shuttles are run off nuclear power and liquid nitrogen i believe.

I have no idea. Richie would be the best person to answer that. I know I'm probably in the minority but I think the vast cost & effort expended on all this space research would be better used elsewhere. Of course, that has nothing to do with me as I'm not paying for it.

[Craig.]

who said anything about the sun? You could never get close enough. Gaseous planets contain many forms of fuel. And since space flights will happen anyway why not put them to good use. Your all quick to shoot down my ideas but are in no rush to offer some solutions of your own

[jordonj]

true, but the shooting Nuclear waste into space has been thought of before and it's thought (last I knew) to be too risky.

[asda_price]

I wanna come here and cause a nuisance!