Fossil Fuels Improve the Planet

Release on 2013-02-22 | by Alex J. Epstein

The basic question underlying our energy policy debates is this: Should we be free to generate more and more energy using fossil fuels?

Author: Alex J. Epstein
Publisher:
ISBN: 0989344800
Category:
Page:
View: 166

The basic question underlying our energy policy debates is this: Should we be free to generate more and more energy using fossil fuels? Or should we restrict and progressively outlaw fossil fuels as "dirty energy"? I believe that if we look at the big picture, the facts are clear. If we want a healthy, livable environment, then we must be free to use fossil fuels. Why? Because for the foreseeable future, fossil fuels provide the key to a great environment: abundant, affordable, reliable energy.

Our Changing Planet

Release on 1998 | by U.S. Global Change Research Program

Ecosystem Response to Increasing Atmospheric CO2 With continued use of
fossil fuels , atmospheric CO2 concentrations will continue to rise substantially
over at least the next century . A long history of CO2 - enhancement There are
still ...

Author: U.S. Global Change Research Program
Publisher:
ISBN: UOM:39015046576180
Category: Climatic changes
Page:
View: 710

Yearbook of Agriculture

Release on 1980 | by

Like a blanket around the Earth, atmospheric CO, absorbs heat radiation emitted
by the sun-warmed planet, and radiates it back to the surface. ... These biomass-
based fuels can be substituted for fossil fuels and thereby check the net increase
in atmospheric CO,. ... into alternative fuels has been driven by our need to
reduce U.S. dependence on imported fossil fuels, improve our balance of
payments, ...

Author:
Publisher:
ISBN: MSU:31293008734919
Category: Agriculture
Page:
View: 909

Our Changing Planet

Release on 1997 | by

For example: • Research has demonstrated that increased use of fossil fuels
since the mid-1800s is changing the ... and document changes in the Earth
system • To understand why these changes are occurring To improve predictions
of future ...

Author:
Publisher:
ISBN: UCSD:31822030045835
Category: Climatic changes
Page: 118
View: 703

Managing Planet Earth

Release on 1989 | by

If the world vides some cause for optimism : a from fossil fuels reflect the risks of
were to improve energy efficiency by 2 number of contingencies have led na
climatic change . Pricing policy is the percent a year , the global average temtions
to ...

Author:
Publisher:
ISBN: WISC:89031640139
Category: Earth
Page: 190
View: 423

The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels

Release on 2014-11-13 | by Alex Epstein

How can this be? The explanation, energy expert Alex Epstein argues in The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels, is that we usually hear only one side of the story.

Author: Alex Epstein
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 9780698175488
Category: Business & Economics
Page: 256
View: 866

Could everything we know about fossil fuels be wrong? For decades, environmentalists have told us that using fossil fuels is a self-destructive addiction that will destroy our planet. Yet at the same time, by every measure of human well-being, from life expectancy to clean water to climate safety, life has been getting better and better. How can this be? The explanation, energy expert Alex Epstein argues in The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels, is that we usually hear only one side of the story. We’re taught to think only of the negatives of fossil fuels, their risks and side effects, but not their positives—their unique ability to provide cheap, reliable energy for a world of seven billion people. And the moral significance of cheap, reliable energy, Epstein argues, is woefully underrated. Energy is our ability to improve every single aspect of life, whether economic or environmental. If we look at the big picture of fossil fuels compared with the alternatives, the overall impact of using fossil fuels is to make the world a far better place. We are morally obligated to use more fossil fuels for the sake of our economy and our environment. Drawing on original insights and cutting-edge research, Epstein argues that most of what we hear about fossil fuels is a myth. For instance . . . Myth: Fossil fuels are dirty. Truth: The environmental benefits of using fossil fuels far outweigh the risks. Fossil fuels don’t take a naturally clean environment and make it dirty; they take a naturally dirty environment and make it clean. They don’t take a naturally safe climate and make it dangerous; they take a naturally dangerous climate and make it ever safer. Myth: Fossil fuels are unsustainable, so we should strive to use “renewable” solar and wind. Truth: The sun and wind are intermittent, unreliable fuels that always need backup from a reliable source of energy—usually fossil fuels. There are huge amounts of fossil fuels left, and we have plenty of time to find something cheaper. Myth: Fossil fuels are hurting the developing world. Truth: Fossil fuels are the key to improving the quality of life for billions of people in the developing world. If we withhold them, access to clean water plummets, critical medical machines like incubators become impossible to operate, and life expectancy drops significantly. Calls to “get off fossil fuels” are calls to degrade the lives of innocent people who merely want the same opportunities we enjoy in the West. Taking everything into account, including the facts about climate change, Epstein argues that “fossil fuels are easy to misunderstand and demonize, but they are absolutely good to use. And they absolutely need to be championed. . . . Mankind’s use of fossil fuels is supremely virtuous—because human life is the standard of value and because using fossil fuels transforms our environment to make it wonderful for human life.”

Im Tb Sustain the Earth

Release on 2004-11 | by Miller

Multisensory Learning : Audiovisuals General Energy : The Fuels and Man ; 1978
; 23 min . ; what energy is ; past and present ... More for Less from Race to Save
the Planet ; 1990 ; 60 min ; ways to reduce fossil fuel consumption and improve ...

Author: Miller
Publisher:
ISBN: 0534496733
Category:
Page:
View: 294

Our Planet

Release on 2016 | by

A consumption tax on fossil fuels produced revenues for the management of
forested lands through environmental service ... train will help improve the quality
of public transport while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel
imports ...

Author:
Publisher:
ISBN: UCLA:L0107405862
Category: Environmental policy
Page:
View: 137

Science Magazine s State of the Planet 2006 2007

Release on 2006-06-15 | by American Association for the Advancement of Science

By Gretchen Vogel If technologies for hydrogen fuel take off , one of the biggest
winners could be the developing world . Just as cell ... Countries not yet
committed the University of Iceland , one of the leaders of the to fossil fuels might
go straight to hydrogen . ... ( usually in the form of subsidies ) that would bring
down the price and improve the performance of renewables in comparison with
fossil fuels .

Science Magazine s State of the Planet 2006 2007

Author: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Publisher:
ISBN: UVA:X030202563
Category: Science
Page: 201
View: 249

A unique contribution that brings together leading environmental scientists and researchers to give readers a comprehensive yet accessible overview of current issues.

Ecology of a Changing Planet

Release on 2000 | by Mark B. Bush

... intensively as the United States, it is estimated that all known oil reserves
would be depleted in about 12 years. While the intensification of agriculture has
brought huge benefits, the improved harvests are built on the availability of fossil
fuel.

Author: Mark B. Bush
Publisher: Benjamin Cummings
ISBN: 013011202X
Category: Science
Page: 498
View: 487

This text is ideal for either an ecology course with a strong environmental emphasis or an environmental science course that focuses heavily on ecological principles. The first introductory text to outline the fundamental ecological principles which provide the foundation for understanding environmental issues. A strong framework of applied ecology is used to explore specifics such as habitat fragmentation, acid deposition, and the emergence of new human diseases. *Two new chapters: Wetland Science and Fishery Management *Completely revised chapters on climate, habitat fragmentation, conservation biology, disease, and the future *Further readings-Includes classic papers, conflicting viewpoints, and accessible summaries of related ideas *Web Connections - Text specific website. Includes on-line quizzes, critical thinking questions, links to Web's best ecology sites, and Prentice Hall's syllabus manager *Emphasizes scientific arguments relating to environmental issues vs. environmental activism *Ecology in Action essays-Emphasizes the process of science

Aware

Release on 1971 | by

Firstly , as to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere , we had the following to say : " All
combustion of fossil fuels produces ... fine particles change the heat balance of
the earth ” " fossil fuel combustion producing CO2 increasing in atmosphere at 0 .

Author:
Publisher:
ISBN: UOM:39015047354884
Category: Electric power production
Page:
View: 940

Imperiled Planet

Release on 1990 | by Edward Goldsmith

... but renewal Richard Mabey Using energy more efficiently not only saves
power plants ( both nuclear and fossil fuel ) is ... The improve the energy
efficiency of their customers overall efficiency of energy use can thus be than to
invest in new ...

Author: Edward Goldsmith
Publisher: MIT Press (MA)
ISBN: UOM:39015018345382
Category: Contaminación - Aspectos ambientales
Page: 288
View: 953

A presentation of a wide range of ecosystems, examining the critical enviornmental issues and proposing solutions in agriculture, energy, and society.

How to Cool the Planet

Release on 2010 | by Jeff Goodell

But unlike many modern climate scientists , Arrhenius was not worried that we
would burn too much fossil fuel and cook ... especially as regards the colder
regions of the earth , " and this warmer climate would improve food production “
for the ...

Author: Jeff Goodell
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
ISBN: PSU:000068129446
Category: Climatic changes
Page: 262
View: 219

Goodell persuades readers that geoengineering may just be the last best hope--a Plan B for the environment. His compelling tale of scientific hubris and technical daring is sure to jump-start the next big debate about the future of life on Earth.

Our Changing Planet

Release on 1998 | by Fred T. Mackenzie

An Introduction to Earth System Science and Global Environmental Change Fred
T. Mackenzie. the preindustrial level ... According to the IPCC report , nuclear
power is the most technically feasible alternative to fossil fuels for generating
electricity . However , in the ... The IPCC report also identified areas to improve
knowledge for future decisions involving global environmental change . They
included ( a ) ...

Author: Fred T. Mackenzie
Publisher:
ISBN: UOM:39015054131993
Category: Environmental sciences
Page: 486
View: 418

This text is a general interdisciplinary discussion of global environmental change oriented toward the non-specialist in science. Presented are both Earth Science and ecological concepts related to global change, as well as discussion of the human dimensions of change.

Life on a Modern Planet

Release on 1995 | by Richard North

... hardly uses fossil fuel for space and water heating and about a tenth of the
normal amount of electricity . But his research is impeccable and routinely bought
- in by very hardnosed people . When he says that US cars could improve their
fuel ...

Author: Richard North
Publisher:
ISBN: 0719045665
Category: Social Science
Page: 326
View: 783

This text re-evaluates global questions such as feeding the world, energy, pollution and green consumerism. It argues that the fashionable view that "progress" opposes "caring for the environment" should be dropped, and that people should be satisfied with a permanent change in their environment.

One Planet Communities

Release on 2010 | by Pooran Desai

... air and noise pollution , and congestion Improve air quality , improve public
transport , reduce congestion , promote low emissions vehicles Provide transport
systems and infrastructure that reduce dependence on fossil fuel use , eg by cars
...

Author: Pooran Desai
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Incorporated
ISBN: UCSD:31822036450609
Category: Architecture
Page: 216
View: 135

The approach which links the science of ecological footprinting to a simple framework of principles, and how the framework is being applied to create a coherent approach to projects in the UK, Europe, USA, South Africa, the Middle East, China and Australia, It also draws on other examples of best practice from around the world.

A Planet Choking on Waste

Release on 2003 | by Jill Foran

Compared to the burning of fossil fuels to create electricity, nuclear power
generation produces very little waste. ... Although constant efforts are made to
improve the management of nuclear waste, it is very difficult to find long-term
disposal ...

Author: Jill Foran
Publisher: Creative Publishing International
ISBN: 1583401652
Category: Juvenile Nonfiction
Page: 56
View: 772

What is the impact of genetic engineering? Where does hazardous waste go? Why is water our most precious resource? When will we run out of oil? These are important questions students will be asking as we move into the 21st century. Book jacket.

Fossil Fuel CO2 and the Angry Climate Beast

Release on 2003 | by Wallace S. Broecker

Author: Wallace S. Broecker
Publisher:
ISBN: UCSD:31822033346800
Category: Air
Page: 224
View: 634

Created as a companion to a Frontiers of Science lecture series at Columbia, this book discusses the fate and climatic consequences of the CO2 produced by burning fossil fuels, and the effect tripled atmospheric CO2 may have on our climate. It addresses the limitations of current climate models, and looks at different approaches to reducing atmospheric carbon.

ECOS 2002

Release on 2002 | by G. Tsatsaronis

Current reserves of fossil fuels and clean energy . ... 8 % of the global E AC , it
will not have a large impact on future energy reserves , even if abatement
technologies improve . Fuel EXAC CO2 ( Mtoe ) 13 , 169 43 , 191 EXAC NOX (
Mtoe ) 72 . ... Owing that variable costs are dominant in the costs of electricity , it
is easy to guess that the cost of cleaning the planet - from the effects of electricity
production ...

Author: G. Tsatsaronis
Publisher:
ISBN: UCSD:31822037772563
Category: Environmental impact analysis
Page: 1715
View: 408

Planet Under Stress

Release on 1990 | by Royal Society of Canada

We do influence policymaking , including policies that help us improve our
understanding . Through personal ... Burning fossil fuels , for instance , is a major
factor that has got us into this predicament and is making it worse . You and I
burn ...

Author: Royal Society of Canada
Publisher: CNIB
ISBN: UCSC:32106018035177
Category: Science
Page: 344
View: 310

This book is the result in bringing together experts from many fields and persuading them to tell us what they have learned about the current changes.