Terence Corcoran: New debate over the future of fossil fuels

As an example of how a country can flourish with reduced fossil fuel consumption Pielke cites France, which slashed its oil and coal consumption since the 1960s by shifting to nuclear power. Good point, although Epstein also happens to be a big proponent of nuclear energy, which he says “has demonstrated by far the most potential as an alternative to fossil fuels.” He argues that nuclear power, while filled with promise, has been “criminalized” by activists.

Pielke also accuses Epstein of ignoring the downsides of fossil fuel dependence, including “pollution, insecurity, and economic risks.” While Epstein in his book acknowledges such “downsides,” he does not see them as a justification for fossil fuel elimination. Just because economic activity does not properly price and account for all fossil fuel externalities such as climate change does not mean that “the government should take action to make fossil fuels more expensive.

Which takes us to what seems like the real heart of the Epstein/Pielke clash. In Fossil Future, Epstein outlines his view that solar, wind, biofuels, carbon sequestration, electric vehicles and other state-mandated projects cannot offer the kind of energy system the world needs. Moreover, the externalities caused by moving to zero fossil fuels will exceed the externalities of their continued use.

In response to texted messages, Epstein said Pielke and other critics present a “significant distortion of my view and then argue against it.” He said he will be formally responding to Pielke and others in a few weeks. Let the debate continue!

Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

New Brunswick wakes up to chilly reality from polar vortex: burst pipes - New Brunswick | Globalnews.caAccording to the Saint John Fire Department, calls to the fire department were nearly quadruple of what they were on other weekends
Source: GlobalNational - 🏆 81. / 51 Read more »

Town of Truro joins Partners for Climate Protection Program | SaltWireTRURO, N.S. — The Town of Truro has joined the Partners for Climate Protection Program as the municipality aims to reduce its carbon footprint. The ...
Source: SaltWire Network - 🏆 45. / 63 Read more »

Pink sea urchins on the move, a sign of climate changePink sea urchins that live in deep water off the Island are slowly moving into shallower places as food sources and oxygen levels decline due to a warming ocean.
Source: timescolonist - 🏆 15. / 75 Read more »

LAU: Trudeau's climate-spending tab excludes costs you’ll payCommon sense and decency says if you’re going to spend more than $120 billion of other people’s money, you best be sure it’s a good idea. Trudeau is a globalist fascist TrudeauBrokeCanada
Source: TheTorontoSun - 🏆 23. / 68 Read more »

B.C's pink sea urchins moving to shallower waters due to climate changePink sea urchins off the coast of Vancouver Island are expanding into shallower waters, in what researchers say is an indication of how rapidly climate change is affecting ocean life. Just no let up in this climatescam Beware of the sun monster!!!
Source: CTVNewsVI - 🏆 28. / 68 Read more »

LAU: Trudeau's climate-spending tab excludes costs you’ll payCommon sense and decency says if you’re going to spend more than $120 billion of other people’s money, you best be sure it’s a good idea.
Source: ottawasuncom - 🏆 4. / 92 Read more »