- Question
- Can we live without oil?
- Position‹2 of 2
No, we can’t live without oil
This position holds that we cannot live without oil. It argues that oil is the backbone of the global energy supply — which renewables cannot yet replace at scale — and that many of its by-products, woven into countless everyday products, have no viable non-oil substitutes.
Supporting arguments · 2
- We cannot supply the world’s energy needs without oilGetting rid of oil would be an inconvenience for the world. Oil makes up a good portion of energy production. Taking it out of the world system would mean economic degradation.
- We have no viable non-oil substitutes for products fundamental to societyCar fuel isn’t the only thing made of oil. Household items and apparel can be made from oil as well. Dresses, cassettes, and bicycle tires are all made from petroleum and these show that the use of oil is so ingrained in modern society that it cannot simply be abolished.