ChatGPT: What actually allowed to reach 8 billion population, is oil and gas most crucial?

Source: https://chatgpt.com/share/679d0e78-eed8-800b-868f-05f08d138b71

What actually allowed to reach 8 billion population, is oil and gas most crucial?

ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

Yes, oil and gas were among the most crucial factors that allowed the global population to reach 8 billion. Here’s why:

1. Energy for Industrialization & Agriculture

  • The Industrial Revolution initially ran on coal, but oil and gas later took over, enabling mass production of goods, infrastructure, and transportation.
  • Fossil fuels powered machines, increased productivity, and allowed rapid urbanization.

2. Agricultural Revolution (Green Revolution)

  • Synthetic fertilizers (mostly derived from natural gas) drastically increased food production.
  • Mechanized farming (tractors, irrigation, transportation) relied on oil and gas.
  • Pesticides and herbicides (many petroleum-based) helped maximize crop yields.

3. Transportation & Global Supply Chains

  • Oil enabled the mass transport of food, raw materials, and goods.
  • Without fossil fuels, modern global trade and logistics would be impossible.

4. Medicine & Sanitation

  • Petroleum-based pharmaceuticals, plastics, and medical equipment (like syringes and IV bags) revolutionized healthcare.
  • Clean water and sewage systems, largely dependent on energy-intensive infrastructure, drastically reduced disease.

5. Electrification & Urban Growth

  • Natural gas and coal powered electricity grids, enabling mass urbanization.
  • Oil allowed suburban expansion with cars and public transport.

While other factors like scientific advancements, better governance, and improved public health also played roles, fossil fuels were the backbone of the modern population boom. Without them, food production and industrial capacity would have been severely limited, capping population growth at much lower levels.

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