as much the size of the resource, but the rate of production of that resource and the reasons why that rate must eventually decline” (Micu 98). There is no precise timeline on when or how peak oil will arrive; however, it is expected to start by 2030 (Bosman). With knowledge of past production and current production trends today, oil and gas technological developments have made countless predictions for years to come. Since the beginning of the modern oil era, technology has played a crucial role in supporting the efficient production of hydrocarbons. Recently, major operations have become at risk. New projects have become more expensive in the long term and more challenging. Since the beginning of time, the key to increasing reserves has been through research and development with countless discoveries as well as advancements in exploration and production. This has also led to changing technological developments, in order to accommodate the changing realities of the oil industry. Especially in the United States of America, the situation is disastrous. The country currently “consumes almost 25% of the world's oil, its problems spill over onto the global market” (Maugeri 5) and no new progress is yet known. One of the main problems is that oil forms too slowly to be replaced by the time it is withdrawn, causing “the point where production can no longer increase and production begins to plateau or gradually decline” (Graefe 1). Since 1999, oil industry production has declined slightly, causing an uproar to improve the oil recovery process and aid change (Graefe 1). People should come to fully understand what is going on out there. It's not just their cars, their heat, or their generator… middle of paper… decades of exploitation, new technologies and techniques” (Jansen 44) and there is nothing we can do to stop this domino effect constantly evolving. Without new technological advances, we couldn't drill for oil, create new platforms, or find new ways to extract it simply because there are no materials available with such promise. Even with the new findings, we hope for the best. Without such a precious source, our world will diminish and “the evidence [is] now overwhelming” (Morse 1). Ultimately, we must realize that our fossil fuels are running out and it is time to change our lifestyle. It affects not only scientists or industries, but young and old people. We can conserve what we have, so that our future generations can live as well as we do, so they eventually don't have to live in a world without limited fossil fuels.