Living in a Material World

The Gulf war has exposed two hard truths: military force still shapes the world, and hydrocarbons still power it. Coal, oil and gas remain the foundation of modern life, embedded in everything from food and medicine to transport, industry and household goods.

When oil and gas prices rise, the cost of living rises with them.

Australia is especially vulnerable because it still depends overwhelmingly on fossil fuels, particularly imported liquid fuels. Diesel keeps freight, farming and mining moving, and without it the country stops.

See more of Opinionated, on Sky News hosted by Danica De Giorgio.