Energy
This page is about energy in 2 main forms: fuel and electricity.
Energy supply
The majority of energy comes from fossil fuels which cause climate change.
Limits to other energy sources
Energy source | Limitations |
---|---|
Hydroelectricity | Only viable in a few parts of the world |
Geothermal | In most parts of the world, is only suited for heating and cooling |
Solar | 1. Intermittant (not available at night) 2. Manufacturing is too resource-intensive |
Wind | 1. Intermittant 2. Turbine construction is too resource-intensive 3. Requires a lot of space, usually far from where people live |
Nuclear | Limited supply of uranium-235 + Safety concerns |
Biomass waste | Limited supply |
Biofuel | Limited supply + Competes with food, contributing to hunger and deforestation |
The intermittency problem of solar and wind could be solved with energy storage, if the right innovations happen.
Energy demand
Can this demand (or at least, most of it) be met without fossil fuels?
Short answer: No.
Long answer: Not without major technological breakthroughs.
Even worse: Most of the world is currently living in poverty. Suppose every country was as developed as western countries: Global energy demand would be more than double:
But there is good news
If we did things differently, then...
- Everyone on the planet could have a decent quality of life, and
- Energy consumption would be just a fraction of what it is today.
- Plus, people would be less overworked.
This might actually be the most viable route to net-zero carbon emissions.