Have you ever asked yourself when we will run out of oil?

This was the question posed during the Coffeehouse Environmental Forum held on October 24, 2008 at the CFA Lagerwey Hall. The Concerned Citizens Against Pollution (or COCAP) acted as the resource group in examining this most critical and timely issue.

In his opening remarks, CFA President Fr. Filoteo Pelingon, MSC, emphasized the importance of stewardship or the preservation of our natural resources such as oil, for our own and the next generation’s use.

COCAP encouraged a free-wheeling discussion after the showing of the documentary “The Last Oil Shock”. The film focuses on man’s dependence on oil and its drying up, otherwise known as peak oil, caused by diminishing supply in the midst of rising demand. The film shows that we have already consumed half of the world’s oil reserves. It is depleting quickly and will ultimately dry up.

During the discussion, participants and resource persons stressed that we must exploit and explore alternative and indigenous sources of energy (e.g. geothermal, hydroelectric etc.), promote the use of biodiesel fuels for cleaner air, and boost the campaign for energy conservation.