[eastforker]

without the oil industry you would have no refineries,no drilling rigs,no need for steel mills to make pipe,no trucks needed to haul oil or ships for that matter.No need for the workers involved in this industry,you see what would happen.Any alternative energy would have to be introduced slowly.Yes,the world economy is dependant on the oil industry.Yes,many more lives will be lost over oil but not near the disaster if there was no immediate need for it.Maybe one day,but not for the forseeable future IMHO.

[Diogenesis]

No way. The oils would still be used for pharmaceuticals, lubricants, chemicals,
plastics, nanotechnology,and conventional fuel use.