Modern Wisdom

#324 - Alex Epstein - Can Fossil Fuels Save The World?

May 22, 2021
Alex Epstein, an energy theorist and founder of the Center for Industrial Progress, advocates for the benefits of fossil fuels in enhancing human flourishing. He challenges the negative perceptions of fossil fuels, arguing that solar and wind cannot meet energy demands reliably. Epstein critiques climate change activism, claiming it undermines technological progress and human innovation. He discusses the importance of nuclear energy and warns against the dangers of overly restrictive energy policies, emphasizing that responsible fossil fuel use can lead to better environmental outcomes.
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INSIGHT

Climate Change as a Side Effect

  • Think of climate change as a side effect of fossil fuel use, just like evaluating benefits and side effects of medicine.
  • Consider the benefits of fossil fuels that neutralize climate danger, such as energy for machines that alleviate drought.
INSIGHT

Nature's True Nature

  • Nature is not a delicate balance, but rather deficient, dangerous, and dynamic.
  • Machines powered by non-human energy sources are key to human flourishing and a stable, comfortable life.
INSIGHT

Energy and Well-being

  • Cost-effective energy is crucial for powering machines, which are essential for human well-being.
  • The more cost-effective machine labor becomes, through cheaper energy, the more accessible life-improving machines become.
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