Transition Tunbridge Wells

Fossil fuels are sometimes referred to as "ancient sunlight" as they are incredibly energy-dense. It is estimated that 40 litres of petrol in the tank of a car contains energy equivalent to 4 years human manual labour.

During the last 150 years we have got used to living with oil - we think we will always have it and we have designed our whole western society to be entirely dependent on it. However, like any finite substance, the faster we consume it, the faster it will be gone.

Chris Skrebowski, editor of Petroleum Review magazine defines "Peak Oil" as "the point when further expansion of oil production becomes impossible because new production flows are offset by production declines".

Once we pass the peak, supply begins to dictate demand, meaning that oil prices start to rise steeply, and the people with control of the remaining oil really get to start calling the shots. (Rob Hopkins - Transition Handbook)

For more information:

• The All Party Parliament Group on Peak Oil & Gas
• FAQs about Peak Oil