Analysis Paper: What happens in the extreme future?

Write a double-spaced, five-paragraph essay answering one question. Write the thesis statement with three points at the end of the introduction. Begin each body paragraph with a topic sentence, and support each topic sentence with explanations and specific factual details. End with a paraphrase of your main idea, and add a concluding thought.

A Quest for Oil Collides With Nature in Alaska

1. What happens when there is less oil available?

David J. O'Reilly, Chairman & CEO,
Chevron Corporation, July 17, 2005

Energy will be one of the defining issues of this century. One thing is clear: the era of easy oil is over. What we all do next will determine How well we meet the energy needs of the entire world in this century and beyond.

Demand is soaring like never before. As populations grow and economies take off, millions in the developing world are enjoying the benefits of a lifestyle that requires increasing amounts of energy. In fact, some say that in 20 years the world will consume 40% more oil than it does today.

At the same time, many of the world's oil and gas fields are maturing. And new energy discoveries are mainly occurring in places where resources are difficult to extract, physically, economically and even politically. When growing demand meets tighter supplies, the result is more competition for the same resources.
2. What happens to college when more is done online?

Emily Thomas, AssociateDegree.org, University Predictions, July 25, 2009.

  1. There will be more of an emphasis on distance learning: Going to college online has become a more accepted and desirable alternative.
  2. Traditional universities will be compelled to pursue open networks: Universities will need to offer some sort of online space for open collaboration.
  3. Technology innovation will be a priority: Technology will be one of the main driving forces, and all colleges will make technology innovation a priority.
  4. Students will take a mix of online classes and on-campus courses: In an effort to find affordable education, students may opt for more flexible, personalized education plans instead of the four-year track that requires them to live on campus.
  5. Focus will be on career-applicable skills and experiential learning. College students will need significant technical skills to acquire the sorts of professional positions the future holds.
 3. What happens when more business is done online?

 

Sramana Mitra, The Future of E-Commerce, Forbes.com, May 1, 2009.

 

Almost 15 years after the advent of e-commerce, it is interesting to take stock of how its market leaders have progressed. All the pioneers are stepping on each other's toes. For instance, Amazon's logical progression will inevitably lead it into Netflix's territory; Amazon is already squarely in eBay's. Netflix, however is facing stiff competition from the DVD rental kiosks operated by Redbox.

The end of this movie is yet unknown. Will Amazon eventually end up acquiring Netflix?

Every time I look at Amazon, eBay and Netflix, they remind me of John Doerr's famous quote, "The Internet is under hyped."

To think that most of the world--large parts of Asia, Africa, Latin America, China--are not yet on the Internet, is a sobering thought.

Can you imagine how many more significant businesses are yet to be built as the next billion get online?