The receding threat from 'peak oil' 14 July 2013Last updated at 19:49 ET David Shukman takes a helicopter flight over California's vast oilfields Concerns about oil supplies running dry are receding, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Massive new discoveries in the US have led to a "dramatic" change in global prospects. The IEA's head of oil markets, Antoine Halff, says forecasts have had to be repeatedly revised upwards in the past two years. Declining US production has been reversed as oil extracted from shale and other new sources comes on stream. Mr Halff told BBC News that concerns about an approaching "peak" in oil production have been "moved to the back burner". "Just a few years ago, everybody thought US production was in permanent decline, that the nation had to face the prospect of continuously rising imports - and now the country is moving towards self-sufficiency," he explained.
“Start Quote There's enough oil in this country for another 100 years with our present technology” Technological revolution. Fracking: RSPB objects to Cuadrilla plans for two sites. 17 August 2013Last updated at 01:58 ET By Roger Harrabin Environment analyst Singleton is an important site for whooper swans The RSPB has lodged objections to proposals to drill for shale gas and oil in Lancashire and West Sussex.
The bird charity says regulations are inadequate to ensure water, landscapes and wildlife are protected. Fracking should get public support, says David Cameron. 12 August 2013Last updated at 05:12 ET Opponents of fracking fear environmental damage The whole of the country must "get behind fracking", which ought to get "real public support" once its benefits are explained, David Cameron has said.
Writing in the Daily Telegraph, he said he wanted all of the UK to benefit from shale gas drilling - "north or south". The prime minister moved to allay concerns about the technique, insisting it was safe if properly regulated. Environmentalists fear it can cause small earth tremors, water contamination and environmental damage. Fracking - short for "hydraulic fracturing" - involves drilling deep underground and releasing a high-pressure mix of water, sand and chemicals to crack rocks and release gas stored inside.
Continue reading the main story Protesters say the case for safe shale gas extraction has not been made There has been a heavy police presence at anti-fracking protests Officers have had to escort vehicles from drilling company Cuadrilla in Balcombe. USA no longer threatened by 'peak oil' ?