Just Elise

[Elise]

Hi. I edited the Johns Hopkins Magazine—i.e., became a de facto science writer though English major, don't know how I did it but I did— for more years than I can count, then retired and went back to school and became an acupuncturist. Now I'm enthusiastic about biochar, which is how I found this site. It looks like a good place to post some questions I have.

Here's a big one:

What are the critical applications of petroleum, not so much now but for the far-distant future? I'm quite sure we ought to leave as much as possible for our grandchildren, assuming they can live here, because it's so energy dense and versatile. It's stupid to be using petroleum to make plastic bins to sell slices of cake in. But that's not enough to make a sensible argument. Any help? I'm wondering whether petroleum is especially good for high-temperature applications, like processing silicon, which our grandchildren will most definitely need. Or am I worrying about a non-issue? Elise

[pamela]

hi Elise,
welcome!!

[theblackalchemist]

Greetings Elsie,
Post you r question in the TP forums

[freeztar]

Welcome Elise!

Your question is a good one.
I can't think of any use of petroleum that can't be substituted for by using plants and/or chemicals. I might be missing something though...

In any case, I think it's wise to stop drilling and start looking towards other means.

Glad to hear you're into TP. See you around!

[lemit]

What a great introduction! Welcome!

As a fellow English major, minor writer and editor (good luck finding anything I've done), and novice at science--you might not qualify for the last--I'm looking forward to discussions about biochar and other things I don't understand.

--lemit