Nestor Sander

Retired petroleum geologist

After taking a degree in palaeontology and geology in California, he joined Standard of California (now Chevron). It was then managing oil operations in Saudi Arabia, to which he was transferred in 1938. His palaeontological work led to the discovery of the Abqaiq Field, one of the country’s largest fields. It was an interesting and colourful experience. He joined the American army in the Second World War, being transferred to France, where he met and married a French girl before taking a PhD at the Sorbonne. He then worked for another oil company, evaluating prospects in Europe and Africa, before joining Amoco (now BP) in New York as a senior geologist. He has continued to be active in retirement.

The basic message of Peak Oil is that the supply of this fossil liquid fuel is finite, exhaustible, and that more than half of it has been consumed.