In a free market system continuous growth is an essential assumption. Growth is necessary because more and more people enter the job market as population increases. With the growth of the world economy, particularly in China (1.2 billion people) and India (800 million people) some have begin to discuss the issue of limited natural resources, particularly those with which we produce energy. If this speculation proves to be reality could it put the brakes on rising living standards around the world as well as have negative ramifications for the United States?