Warm Winter and Oil Consumption

I have been wondering if the increase in temperature that we have experienced in many parts of the Northern hemisphere these past few weeks has had any impact on global oil consumption. An article in the French newspaper Le Figaro states (not very clearly) that, due to warm weather, world oil consumption is currently down by 650,000 barrels a day (compared to 05/06).

Since world consumption is around 82 million barrels a day (if I am not mistaken), this represents a drop of 0.8%. This self-correcting mechanism could help reduce world oil consumption over time (even taking into account population growth, technology, etc). But would it be enough to please Kyoto enthusiasts?

Comments

[Whit Stevens]

Though global warming might decrease energy needed for heating ourselves, would it not increase energy required for cooling ourselves? Which effect is larger? Or maybe you were joking.

[Taconet]

Le réchauffement climatique provoque la fonte des glaces artiques et une possible disparition du Gulf Stream, aujourd'hui réponsable de notre climat tempéré. La "self-régulation" à terme serait un refroissement du climat européen et donc d'une consommation accrue de pétrole. Ecologie et libéralisme ferait-il bon ménage ?
Amicalement,
Hélène Taconet