Debunking Economics - the podcast There is no energy transition happening
Mar 23, 2025
Is there really an energy transition happening? The podcast uncovers the unsettling truth: while renewable energy grows, fossil fuel consumption skyrockets. It critiques our reliance on energy giants who prioritize profits over sustainability. The Jevons paradox is explored, illustrating how increased energy availability can lead to greater consumption. With energy prices rising, the discussion questions whether democratic processes can truly facilitate a sustainable transition, or if we might be driven towards more autocratic solutions as environmental crises loom.
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No Real Energy Transition Yet
- Adding renewables has not replaced fossil fuels; fossil fuel use continues to grow globally.
- UK reduced fossil fuels by import shift; globally, energy consumption and fossil fuel use keep rising.
GDP Relies on Energy Use
- GDP growth is strongly linked to energy consumption, making economic growth dependent on energy use.
- Climate change threatens growth, contradicting some optimistic economic forecasts ignoring energy's role.
Energy Addition and Jevons Paradox
- New energy sources historically add to existing sources rather than replace them, raising total energy consumption.
- This reflects the Jevons paradox: increased efficiency or cheaper energy leads to more consumption, not less.
