OPINION/COMMENTARY

Oil Obsession

If you think gas prices are through the roof now, beware the advent of the Chinese family car. No kidding: Growing prosperity will produce literally hundreds of millions of middle-class, energy-hungry (car-driving) Chinese over the next 20 years — launching gas prices into outer space. China's energy use is already growing by leaps and bounds. It now ranks No. 2 in world energy consumption (behind the United States, ahead of Japan), and is a major cause of rising energy prices. Beijing's growing needs will have significant ramifications on everything from international security to global pollution. As major powers scramble to secure limited world energy resources, conflict is certain — and armed conflict isn't out of the question....