From Dennis Sebian
We can now list among life’s certainties not only death and taxes, but an endless flow of articles on the newest key to virtually free energy (29 July, p 35). Granted, such ideas as hydrogen-powered cars give meaning to life for entrepreneurs and engineers alike, and hope to the rest of us. Yet, from an ecological standpoint, one is driven to point out that overemphasis on energy panaceas reveals that we really don’t get it.
Cheaper, limitless energy will not create a viable civilisation in the 21st century. Far from it. From a historical perspective, one can argue that relatively cheap fossil fuels over the last century have got us into the present environmental crisis.
Even if humanity, at the eleventh hour, is able to solve the global warming problem, we are not lacking other means of destroying the ecological systems upon which civilisation depends. Habitat destruction, pollution and overfishing of the oceans come to mind.
There is every reason to believe that virtually free energy on tap will only accelerate the process. This will certainly occur unless we foresee the broad consequences of new technologies and act to internalise their cradle-to-grave costs.
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The missing element in solving our environmental and resource dilemma this century is not some technological key; it is human restraint and giving nature room to breathe.
Kirtland, Ohio, US
