Yes I have a bit of the cassandra syndrome, but I also realize mostly its been a waste of time and energy and is symptomatic of a fetter. The fetter is fear and the fear comes from a previous experience imo, but origin matters little the cure is simple absorption and full release.
I agree with this.
Having worked for both the fossil fuel and renewable energy industries i do not buy into the simple notion that the evil fossil fuel companies stalled out renewable energy.
I disagree with this, since energy research is more often than not funded by corporations, which are heavily invested in fossil fuels, then who is going to put any money into research into a replacement for fossil fuels?
The problem is that we as a society became addicted to the ease of fossil powered mechanization and the luxuries of centralized society. Post WWII those luxuries were well distributed and a majority enjoyed them, now we question those choices as a ruling elite reap the majority of the benefits.
I agree with this, but as an advocate for alternative energy, and a retired research scientist, who rarely saw any significant research into alternative energy, I then have to conclude that research into alternative energy was hijacked by fossil fuel interests.
Where I object with most renewable energy arguments is the notion that we can have our cake and eat it too. We can not enjoy the wealth and material gluttony a fossil rich post WWII economy created if we run our country on renewable energy. The structure must become more decentralized, our homes much much smaller, our transportation minimized, nothing short of a cultural conversion to a different way of life.
I agree with this; however, I will agree that conservation and decentralization are critical aspects of an economy that is supported by alternative energy.
Carter explored this path and it was given the feedback the public had no such will to revert.
I disagree. If the Carter solar credits remained in place, and were expanded it include all alternative energy modalities, then we would have arrived at a robust, long-term decentralization energy solution.
Solar tech has evolved since then, perhaps it could have evolved faster with more money, but still under no forseeable circumstances will it match the profound material gluttony our culture has adapted too.
Well, yes solar energy development has progressed; however, solar power will never replace centralized power production, because it does not meet peek grid demand, because peek solar gain is 10AM to 2PM; whereas, peek grid demand is 6AM-10AM and 4PM to 8PM, when solar gain is at its lowest. Nonetheless, other alternative energy modalities, such as wind and tidal are at peek during peek demand; thus a diverse alternative energy solution would meet the diversity of demand.
The reason renewable was not developed is because it undermines the fabric of the existing power structures and demands a deep cultural change. It is not as simple as one greedy industry blocking another, it is as deep as the very fabric of industrialism itself.
Yes, I agree with this. I often say that the fabric of all civilizations is utter and complete corruption.
Yes a carrington event looks like it would cripple current industrialism. A very good reminder of how fragile and precarious our little sand kingdoms are here on earth, great motivation to seek refuge in the eternal and infinite.
I agree.
