Importance and role of petroleum scientists and engineers from the perspective of energy-resource theory

Abstract

In the era of human-made uncertainty in the cognition of energy-resource issues, it is indispensable to re-examine our viewpoint and our interpretation of the energy-resource theory. This lecture reviews the developmental history of the concept of energy, the history of energy transition, the historical relationship between economy and energy, some recent discussions of energy-resource depletion, the important point of contact between biology and earth science, and the people's history of petroleum science and engineering. Finally, the essential roles and responsibilities of petroleum scientists and engineers are clarified in the context of the historical relationship between energy and society.