The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens Always Adding More: The Unpopular Reality about Energy Transitions with Jean-Baptiste Fressoz
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Feb 5, 2025 In this engaging discussion, historian Jean-Baptiste Fressoz delves into the intricate past of energy transitions. He reveals how past energy shifts, from wood to coal and oil, shape our current hopes for a renewable future. Fressoz critiques the narrative of a seamless transition, emphasizing the interdependence of energy sources and the technological innovations in coal mining. He raises critical questions about our ever-growing energy demands and the socioeconomic impacts of rising oil prices, urging a rethinking of economic growth in the face of environmental challenges.
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No Energy Transitions, Only Additions
- Energy sources are not replaced but added.
- They become intertwined and create symbiotic relationships.
British Coal and Wood Use
- Britain used more wood for coal mining in the 20th century than it burned in the 18th century.
- This demonstrates the interconnectedness of energy sources, not a simple transition.
Linked Energy and Materials
- Energy and material production are inseparable.
- Studying them together reveals hidden dependencies, like wood use in coal mines.
