When we talk about alternative energy I always reflect on path dependency, the idea what where we are today and the steps we make in the future are all dependent on decisions we made in the past.
I think we are right in pushing for renewable energy. It has to be better for the planet than what we currently use, right? But I am also aware of the fact that it will not be a fast switch. We have structures in place for fossil fuels and facilities that exist to provide the amount of energy we demand in a certain way. It's not as simple as saying "well, today, we're going to start using solar for everything!" It takes time, and while I think more needs to be done to get us moving in that direction, I also think we need to lower our unrealistic expectations a bit.
I had a conversation with Luke about this the other day. We eco-minded people tend to see in black and white when it comes to energy and I don't think that this is realistic. We need to recognize that there are small steps that can be taken to make things better. Small steps that lead us toward a more sustainable future. And this is why I support fracking, and why Luke's friend supports nuclear. I see us investing more money in natural gas and less in coal and I see that as progress. I know how destructive coal is. No matter what, people, mountains, landscapes, animals, entire ecosystems, and water will all be hurt by coal. In the last few years our CO2 emissions have dropped some, and I think this is due to fracking. Fracking is not always destructive. It doesn't require massive amounts of land. It can be done in such a way that significantly reduces the risk of water contamination. If it's a decision between coal and fracking, I choose fracking. I pick the lesser of two evils and see this as a sign of "progress" (whatever that means) in recognizing that we need to be better stewards of the environment. It's a small step in the right direction.
I had a conversation with Luke about this the other day. We eco-minded people tend to see in black and white when it comes to energy and I don't think that this is realistic. We need to recognize that there are small steps that can be taken to make things better. Small steps that lead us toward a more sustainable future. And this is why I support fracking, and why Luke's friend supports nuclear. I see us investing more money in natural gas and less in coal and I see that as progress. I know how destructive coal is. No matter what, people, mountains, landscapes, animals, entire ecosystems, and water will all be hurt by coal. In the last few years our CO2 emissions have dropped some, and I think this is due to fracking. Fracking is not always destructive. It doesn't require massive amounts of land. It can be done in such a way that significantly reduces the risk of water contamination. If it's a decision between coal and fracking, I choose fracking. I pick the lesser of two evils and see this as a sign of "progress" (whatever that means) in recognizing that we need to be better stewards of the environment. It's a small step in the right direction.
Hope? I hope that everyone's holiday is as happy and exciting as this dog's:
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