The Energy Crisis in Quotes

What the world’s bigwigs have been saying about peak oil, climate change and all things energy related.

2002
2005

2006

“The energy gap is widening far quicker than anticipated. That widening is a major issue as potential solutions like new nuclear power can't be built in time to close it.”

Keiron Brennan, energy analyst, LogicaCMG, November 2006

“This energy scenario is not only unsustainable but doomed to failure.”

Claude Mandil, head of International Energy Agency, November 2006

“The North Sea is a mature province largely situated in deep, hostile waters. Rising costs, resource constraints, an ageing workforce, a noticeable drop in the number of exploration wells drilled this year, increasing regulatory burden and a tax regime no longer fit for purpose are all adding to the challenge.”

Malcolm Webb, chief executive, United Kingdom Offshore Operators’ Association, November 2006

“In the future, energy security will be almost as important as defence.”

Tony Blair, October 2006

“European energy consumers face further big rises in gas prices in the coming years because of acute shortages of Russian supplies.”

Eric Berglof, chief economist, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, May 2006

"The Swedish Government has set a new policy target: the creation of the conditions necessary to break Sweden's dependence on oil by 2020. And there is, indeed, an increased sense of urgency. If we prepare now, the transition to a sustainable energy system can be smooth and cost-efficient. If we wait until we are forced by circumstances, the transition may be costly and disruptive. No country can escape from this transition; to act sooner or act later are the only options."

Mona Sahlin, Swedish Minister of Sustainable Development, May 2006

“We may be at a point of peak oil production.”

Bill Clinton, March 2006

2007
2008