The Fort #216: Alex Epstein - The Future is Fossil Fuels
Alex Epstein is a philosopher and energy expert who argues that “human flourishing” should be the guiding principle of energy and environmental progress. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels and the forthcoming Fossil Future.
On this episode, Alex and Chris discuss why being against fossil fuels is being against humanity, what happens in a world with fewer fossil fuels, and the impact of alternative energy sources on the world. Alex explains why "Human flourishing" should be the guiding principle of energy and environmental progress and why driving a Tesla isn't changing the environment. Enjoy!
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Alex's New Book: Fossil Future
(02:07) - Why did you get into writing about fossil fuels?
(05:08) - How long were fossil fuels viewed positively and when did that change?
(13:11) - The Chaos That Ensues When We Don’t Have Machines That Work
(19:39) - Russia’s Role in the Current Fossil Fuel Debate
(23:33) - Why does the USA think it’s better to outsource oil production rather than produce it at home?
(26:30) - Why is the cost of fertilizer and agriculture going up in relation to fossil fuels?
(31:32) - The Benefits vs. Risks of Oil and Fossil Fuels
(35:25) - What is the opposition’s biggest reasoning for hating fossil fuels?
The Population Bomb by Paul Ehrlich
(40:08) - The Hypocrisy of the Biggest Climate Advocates
Apocalypse Never by Michael Shellenberger
San Fransicko by Michael Shellenberger
(51:33) - Is there anyone on the left changing their tune on fossil fuels?
Alex@AlexEpstein.com
(55:08) - Thoughts on Elon Musk and Electric Vehicles
(1:00:06) - Who benefits from the green movement being implemented?