Every day, we see our industry, our livelihood, castigated in the press and in the halls of government. It is time to do something about it. With few exceptions, public opinion regarding the oil and gas industry is based on ignorance. They do not know any better. And whose fault is that? It is ours, whether we want to admit it or not.

Our industry has its enemies, but in large part, these are zealous but misguided individuals who are ignorant of the role played by the energy industry in shaping the world economy. Worse still, these people have no idea of the role a strong energy industry will have in the future well-being of themselves and their descendents.

Fortunately, we have the talent and resources to dosomething about this. If you accept that 90% of the problem is caused by ignorance, then it should be obvious that 90% of the solution can be gained through enlightenment. Those of us in the industry – yes, I am talking to you – can work to change public perception. No one else will do it, so if it is going to get done, it is up to us – all of us.

There is a popular saying going around these days: “If you love freedom, thank a soldier.” We need a similar saying: “If you love peace, health, and prosperity, thank the energy industry.” Think about it. Without the efforts of the energy industry, it is very likely that World War II would have had a different outcome. Without energy to fuel industry, there would have been no guns, tanks, planes, or ships. Without energy, there would be few jobs outside of agriculture, and those still farming would be plowing with a team of mules. Without energy, there would be no international commerce, no trains, airlines, trucks, and cargo vessels. The free world’s economies are built on abundant and reliable supplies of energy. All we have to do is start talking about this.

Every one of us has the opportunity to sway public opinion. When we speak to our children, to our friends, to civic and professional groups, we need to tell the energy story. Talking among ourselves is preaching to the choir. We need to get out in the world with ourmessage: “Energy is the lifeblood of our civilization. Today, we derive energy from oil and gas; tomorrow we could tap another resource, but there is no substitute for energy.”

Our professional societies and organizations need to take responsibility for educating the public. We have been silent too long. Through education outreach, we can engage a generation of young people and shine a light on their knowledge about energy. In an age where we can send people into space and bring them home safely, it is a travesty that there still are university graduates who think that oil exists in huge subterranean pools or rivers. There actually are people who think, “We do not need oil or gas; if we want heat or light, all we have to do is flip a switch.” There is a growing fringe of the population that believes drilling and completion practices are polluting drinking water with mysterious toxins and carcinogens. Who is going to educate these folks? It had better be us because no one else will do it.

I want to get off my soapbox long enough to welcome my long-time friend and colleague, Mark Thomas, to these pages. Mark is a true professional and a journalist of the highest reputation. He was present at the birth of Hart Energy’s E&P magazine, and it will be great having him back onboard. He brings an international perspective at a time when the global oil and gas industry standson the threshold of greatness, with deepwater E&P and the tantalizing possibility of vast worldwide shale gas resources on the horizon.