Volume XXIV – Number 1
Christopher Flavin
Abstract:
The importance of the direction of the world’s energy can be scarcely overstated; it is central to many of our most critical problems. Modern industrial economies are powered by fuels that are not only nonrenewable, but that damage lakes, forests, and human health. In addition, our energy systems are irrevocably altering the climate by adding 5.5 billion tons of carbon to the atmosphere each year-more than a ton for each person on the planet. Simply put, an environmentally sound energy strategy is a prerequisite to a sustainable society. This piece answers the question “if not coal and not nuclear, then what?” by offering a comprehensive strategy for addressing the energy crisis in the United States today. While original consensus presented nuclear power as the best alternative to fossil fuel use, the realization of the financial and technical resources required to develop and maintain this technology paired with its safety concerns have left policymakers perplexed. The key to resolving the coal or nuclear conundrum is simple but potentially revolutionary: greatly improved energy efficiency in the short run complemented by renewable energy in the long run. With industries such as transportation and building converting to new systems that allow for maximum efficiency, other industries need to follow suit. Americans need to examine ways in which they can conserve energy as well, such as switching to electricity saving systems throughout their homes, as well as producing less emissions with their personal vehicles and utilizing mass transit. The piece points to a number of developing technologies in the automobile and various other industries that will make this transition less challenging. Finally, the article points to the rapid evolution of renewable energy technology, such as hydro, solar, and wind power as the ultimate key to addressing fossil fuel reliance.
Key Words: Fossil Fuels, Dependency, Alternate, Energy, Reliance, Sustainability, Coal
