Yet the IEA forecast is based on assumptions
that are tenuous at best. It assumes that prices
for most fuels will remain virtually unchanged
through 2010 and that energy taxes will not
be modified. It also assumes that global oil production
will continue to rise, despite the fact
that many analysts project it will peak prior to
2020.22 While oil consumption is likely to be
limited by geological and political constraints,
combustion of coal will probably be limited by
its associated health and environmental costs,
particularly global climate change.