Is the world too dependent on oil?

Oil prices are on their longest losing streak since 2008, which may be good for consumers, but is causing financial pain for countries such as Malaysia and Vietnam, which are net exporters of the black stuff.

The current focus on the cost of crude underlines its global importance, and raises questions around future energy resources.

Is the world too dependent on oil?

Rodney John Allam, a Nobel Prize winner and international energy expert, gives his opinion.