Thought it would be interesting to see a little discussion on this article:
http://www.cracked.com/article_19048_6-i...ut-of.html
Obviously a humour site isn't the best source for information but sources are given and I think most of you will find it thought provoking at least.
Helium, Medical Isotopes, Phosphorous and Water are the key ones to read there, obviously running out of chocolate or tequila isn't going to be world shattering.
The point is there are tons of things we're running out of that are fundamental to modern civilization in ways most people don't even realise. Other big ones are things like copper. Copper is used to pipe water supplies, refridgerators, air conditioning, computers, microwaves, electrical wire, electromagnets, electrical relays and switches etc. etc. Basically if it uses electric, it uses copper.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peak_copper
And the really scary thing is we don't need to fully run out of these things for them to cause massive problems. Once demand outweighs supply enough, it could send the prices of everyday items through the roof. Imagine if copper got so expensive that we could no longer afford to use it in wiring?
"
Copper can improve the efficiency of energy production and distribution systems. Electricity conducted by copper encounters much less resistance compared with any other commonly used metal. This is the reason why copper is found in wires and cables, as well as in generators, motors, transformers, and renewable energy production systems. "
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