Global oil production peaked in 2006, much earlier than most experts had expected, according to a report by the Energy Watch Group of independent scientists.

The report predicts that production will fall by half by 2030.

Dr Joerg Schindler, author of the report, states "The world is at the beginning of a structural change of its economic system. This change will be triggered by declining fossil fuel supplies and will influence almost all aspects of our daily life".

British energy economist David Fleming is quoted as saying "For government, industry and the wider public, just muddling through is not an option any more" (SMH 24.10.07).

A global battle for crops is brewing between food and energy producers.

The world is consistently failing to produce as much grain as it uses.

In the past 7 years global food prices have soared by 90%.

David Lamb, Low Emissions Transport Leader for the CSIRO, estimates Australia could produce three-quarters of its fuel needs domestically from food crops, "but we'd have to stop eating and tear up our exports".

He predicts a future where land and water resources are increasingly contested between food, energy, fibre and conservation needs (SMH 20/25.10.07).

The United Nations Global Environment Outlook–4 Report warns that world population is now at 6.75 billion and "has reached a stage where the amount of resources needed to sustain it exceeds what is available".

Each person's environmental footprint on average has grown to 22 hectares of the planet but the Report estimates the biological carrying capacity is only 15 to 16 hectares per person (SMH 26.10.07).