The Only Option for a Rational Future
By Mike Bailis
Physics tells us that energy is neither created nor destroyed, but changes from one type to the next. Consider how slowly “fossil fuels” are formed by a natural process taking millions of years, metamorphosing solar radiation into oil, which is now being burned at a rate much faster than it is regenerated. That dynamic alone reveals how unsustainable oil truly is—not to mention that this conversion also releases byproducts hazardous to our planet, forever lost into our atmosphere.
Getting to the source, all of life’s energy traveled from 93 million miles away. That is, solar energy created life on this planet, beginning a few million years ago. What we now can do is cut this long process and use the energy directly as it arrives after its eight-minute journey from our sun. We have the technology today to do this, especially now that the demand for solar energy has brought its cost down considerably.
Trends in supply and demand indicate that oil’s expensive price tag will only go up as the world continues to deplete reserves. The time has come to utilize solar power, whether we use it to heat our domestic hot water or produce electricity to run our homes and businesses.
Many of the world’s leaders recognize that additional incentives are needed to make solar technology more attractive than nearly outdated traditional sources. Countries like Germany, Spain and Japan have led the way, making huge investments and, in the long run, they will be better off having invested in solar, wind and other clean renewable energy. They are not only protecting their natural resources, but their national economies. Now it’s our country’s time to join them.
The new political leadership understands the necessity for renewable energy and the ability it has to create millions of new “green collar” jobs. The recent passage of the economic stimulus bill has funds allocated for various renewable technologies, including financial incentives for wind and geothermal solutions, in addition to solar power.
It’s an exciting restart for this country. The movement to convert our carbon-based economy to one that is clean and sustainable started in 1977, when Jimmy Carter, in response to our first energy crisis, called the situation the “moral equivalent of war.” Now, 32 years later, we are back on track, having better learned our lessons about the dangers of foreign oil dependency. Now the people are leading, and the leaders are following.
The time has come for all of us to join in this war to move on from an oil-dependant economy. We don’t have to drop bombs, or shoot anybody. All we have to to do is change our habits. Getting into these habits will change the course of history, and with the right dedication, the future will be bright.