Wild with Sarah Wilson COLLAPSE SERIES: Nate Hagens - On the “Great Simplification”
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Aug 6, 2024 In this engaging discussion, Nate Hagens, a global leader in energy systems and director at the Institute for the Study of Energy & Our Future, tackles critical issues around the sustainability of our economic models. Hagens argues that green growth is a myth and explores the shortcomings of electric vehicles. He emphasizes the imminent risks of energy depletion and the necessity for societal simplification. Drawing on updated predictions, he warns of potential collapse by 2040, while advocating for a reevaluation of our relationship with energy and our environment.
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Nate Hagens's Pivot to Energy
- Nate Hagens's Wall Street client traded oil futures, sparking his interest in energy.
- This led him to discover the power of oil, its finite nature, and its unaccounted environmental impact.
Complexity's Energy Dependence
- Human problem-solving has historically involved adding complexity, which requires more energy.
- Technological advancements assume continuous energy growth, but our reliance on finite fossil fuels makes this unsustainable.
Green Growth Limitations
- Green growth, transitioning to renewables, isn't a viable solution to the climate crisis.
- Renewables primarily generate electricity, which is only 20% of our energy consumption; the rest fuels processes like transportation, heating, and manufacturing.