christopher::: wrote:It's good to be skeptical... Still, seems to me like a switch to alternative energy technologies has a lot of potential for being largely a positive change, even omiting the global warming debate. Less reliance on fossil fuels 1) reduces pollution in our atmosphere, as well as 2) taking away the incentive for Western nations to meddle (violently) in Middle Eastern politics....
Add to that 3) potential economic benefits, if the price of alternative energy falls dramatically...
The sun and wind's energy, if harnested skillfully, could eventually (not counting technology costs) be free...
Renewable energy resources are clearly the most intelligent sources to bank on and invest in.
Fossil resources will run out. Pretty soon too.
Plus they cause pollution of all sorts.
Sun, water and wind, (renewable sources) won't run out, while this planet is our habitat.
All that has to be overcome is habits, the fear of change and the unknown, as well as sceptical conservative clinging to the past.
Any industry that is based on fossil energy will vehemently battle more innovative energy systems, as long as they don't make money with it.
That's all.
A private remark: As a house owner ,I am interested in saving money for energy. If I had the financial means right now, I would get:
1 solar energy on my roof, to go without oil all summer to give me warm water and support central heating. If America had Europes oil prices, it would be apoplectic.
2. photovoltaic to produce my own electricity, and feed excess into the community.
3. a cistern ,to wash laundry and flush toilets with rainwater.
The German Government subsidises solar energy and all public buildings get the newest technologies.