REALITIES OF ENERGY GEOSCIENCE IN A DYNAMIC ENERGY ECOSYSTEM

Energy consumers in developed countries take it for granted that energy will be accessible in whatever form they require. These consumers assume there will be electrical outlets to charge mobile devices, solar energy to heat bathwater, wind to generate electricity, gasoline or diesel fuel for transportation, natural gas for heat, and so on. Consumers also expect that the transition to lower-carbon energy will happen quickly and without compromising their quality of life – in terms of both access to energy and its cost. While the energy industry in many places has successfully fulfilled energy demand at low cost, the energy and emissions transition and the expectation of the public that energy access will extend beyond developed countries present challenges of scale that will require ongoing use of oil and gas.

Data and projections published by geoscientists and economists in the energy industry reinforce expectations that oil and gas will be needed for decades to come, not only for electricity, heat, light, and transportation, but also for manufacturing consumer goods. Public reaction to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and military activity provide an opportunity to discuss the energy ecosystem and to communicate the realities of fulfilling future energy demand.

The American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) advances expertise in subsurface resources, develops and promotes technology to find and produce subsurface resources, and advances the professional well-being of geoscientists engaged in these activities. AAPG proudly celebrates the 75^th anniversary of the American Geoscience Institute as an organization that remains vital to the health of the geosciences and a reliable resource for vital geoscience information.