On this inaugural episode of Reality Roundtable, Nate is joined by Art Berman, Simon Michaux, and Pedro Prieto to discuss the viability of scaling electric vehicles and what role they could play in the future. Electric vehicles have become increasingly more popular in recent years, and in tandem more polarizing and controversial. Art, Simon, Pedro, and Nate join together for a multi-faceted conversation jam packed with expertise and insight about the reality of EVs. Are plans for dramatically increasing the production of electric vehicles as a replacement for internal combustion vehicles materially, economically, or even infrastructurally possible? Are current EV initiatives taking a science-based systems approach towards this massive economic, environmental, and cultural shift or are they rooted in energy blindness? About Arthur Berman: Arthur E. Berman is a petroleum geologist with 36 years of oil and gas industry experience. He is an expert on U.S. shale plays and is currently consulting for several E&P companies and capital groups in the energy sector. About Pedro Prieto: Pedro is the vice president of the Asociación para el Estudio de los Recursos Energéticos (AEREN). AEREN is an open space for debate and communications on energy issues and their role in demography, development, economy and ecology. Pedro was a member of the board at ASPO International with AEREN representing ASPO in Spain. Since 2004, Pedro has led several solar photovoltaic projects in Spain, a leading world country in solar PV penetration. Pedro co-authored Spain's Photovoltaic Revolution. The Energy Return on Investment, that challenged the conventional energy boundaries considered up to the moment for calculations. About Simon Michaux: Dr. Simon Michaux is an Associate Professor of Geometallurgy at the Geological Survey of Finland. He has a PhD in mining engineering. Dr. Michaux’s long-term work is on societal transformation toward a circular economy. For Show Notes and More visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/rr01-berman-michaux-prieto  To watch this video episode on YouTube → https://youtu.be/5stPFdegJpg

Dr. Simon Michaux, an associate professor at the Geological Survey of Finland, dives into his ambitious Prometheus Project—aimed at creating a sustainable city in the Peruvian desert. He passionately discusses the necessary resources and the societal structures required for success, contrasting utopian ideals with real-world challenges. The conversation explores innovative strategies like advanced water sourcing, eco-tourism, and community dynamics, all while emphasizing the need for collaboration and a new social contract to shift towards a sustainable future.

Dr. Simon Michaux, a professor of geometallurgy and former organic farmer, shares compelling insights on the future of energy. He critiques traditional renewable solutions, proposing a 'purple transition' that utilizes innovative technologies like molten salt thorium reactors. Michaux discusses the complexities of the green transition, the geopolitical implications of oil dependency, and his visionary Prometheus Project for a self-sustaining city. His perspective challenges listeners to rethink energy solutions while considering the finite nature of resources.

Dr. Simon Michaux, Associate Professor at Geometallurgy at Geological Survey of Finland, discusses the challenges of transitioning to clean energy, including the difficulty of communicating massive numbers, the limitations of wind and solar energy, and the need to decarbonize the mining industry. They also explore unconventional solutions and the importance of resource sharing and planning for a sustainable future.

Simon Michaux, an expert affiliated with the Venus Project, shares insights on sustainable living and community building. He discusses the evolution from the Venus Project to his ambitious Prometheus Project. The conversation highlights the challenges of creating alternative social systems and the impact of Jacques Fresco's innovative designs. Michaux envisions a resource-based economy that prioritizes sustainability, exploring ways to establish self-sufficient communities while addressing urban planning and social governance.