The document discusses factors that can contribute to an energy crisis, including a lack of energy to meet growing demands from increased population and infrastructure development. Some of the key causes mentioned are population growth outpacing energy supply, overuse of non-renewable resources, and disruptions from natural disasters or political instability that impact energy infrastructure. The concept of "peak oil" is also introduced as the point when maximum global petroleum extraction rates are reached and production begins declining, which foreshadows long-term limits on oil availability.