The Oil Drum has published an e-mail sent to all Shell employees in which the CEO admitted:

“Regardless of which route we choose, the world’s current predicament limits our maneuvering room. We are experiencing a step-change in the growth rate of energy demand due to population growth and economic development, and Shell estimates that after 2015 supplies of easy-to-access oil and gas will no longer keep up with demand.”

He went on to criticize the lack of response by governments to the coming energy crisis:

“Taking the path of least resistance, policymakers pay little attention to curbing energy consumption – until supplies run short. Likewise, despite much rhetoric, greenhouse gas emissions are not seriously addressed until major shocks trigger political reactions. Since these responses are overdue, they are severe and lead to energy price spikes and volatility.”

He described two possible scenarios for our energy future; the “scramble” and the “blueprint”, and argues for greater international agreement and Government action. Check out the whole e-mail at www.theoildrum.com