‘Fossil Future’ Just Stop Oil; Fact-Based Case for Natural Gas and Africa’s Development (By NJ Ayuk)
Author: NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber (www.EnergyChamber.org)
Energy expert Alex Epstein firmly believes that when the facts about fossil fuels’ positive impacts are known – not to mention their potential to improve the quality of life for billions of people in developing countries – even “the The “keep it underground” crowd will also reconsider their position.
That’s because he saw it happen.
Since Epstein published The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels in 2014, he has found that non-supporters of fossil fuel use have become supporters. Maybe not enough, he admits, but it happens.
In The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels, Epstein uses logic and facts to show that the ability of fossil fuels to provide the world with cheap, reliable energy is a big, big thing, and that the world still needs it.
Now, as calls to halt fossil fuel production grow louder and more determined, Epstein is once again countering emotional arguments with well-researched logical truths. In his new book, “The Future of Fossils: Why Global Human Prosperity Needs More Oil, Coal, and Natural Gas—Not Less,” Epstein shows that the benefits of fossil fuels vastly outweigh their disadvantages, and that in the future This will continue for a few years.
“I will prove that the use of fossil fuels actually makes the world a better place, giving billions of people opportunity Prosperityincluding: lifting yourself out of poverty, having the opportunity to pursue your dreams, and—this may seem the craziest—experience Higher environmental quality and fewer climate dangers,” Epstein writes in the first chapter of his book.
Epstein was not a climate change denier. He acknowledged that fossil fuels have contributed to 1 degree Celsius of warming over the past 100 years and will likely lead to more warming. However, he believes that the benefits of using fossil fuels – starting with the fact that it allows us not only to survive but also to thrive – far outweigh the negative impact on the climate.
What’s more, he writes, fossil fuels improve our ability to combat climate dangers. The use of fossil fuels has made the average person 50 times less likely to die from a climate-related disaster than in a world in which temperatures dropped by 1 degree Celsius in the past. Fossil fuel-powered machines are used to build weather-resistant buildings, generate heat and cool air, Epstein noted. Fossil fuel irrigation systems help mitigate drought.
Epstein wrote that fossil fuel use is so important to the future of the world that “policies proposed today to rapidly eliminate fossil fuel use, if fully implemented, would have truly apocalyptic consequences, leaving the world untouchable for most people.” It has become a poor, dangerous and miserable place.”
I not only strongly agree with Epstein’s eloquent views on the current and future importance of fossil fuels, but also with his optimism about the power of sharing evidence of that importance clearly and persuasively. Fossil fuel critics can indeed become supporters and even advocates when they are faced with the truth, and they agree to at least consider those facts with an open mind.
Look at former UN climate envoy Mary Robinson, who is also the former president of Ireland. Just last November, during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland, Robinson criticized world leaders for their lack of urgency in tackling climate change. Since then, after taking a closer look at the endemic energy poverty in sub-Saharan Africa—where 600 million people lack reliable electricity and 900 million do not have access to clean cooking fuels—Robinson has set out to help Africa continue to produce and use natural gas. reason.
“Africa is trying hard to articulate its need for just, equitable energy, and of course that means using some gas as a just transition,” Robinson told the Guardian. “There has to be some scope to address energy poverty in Africa, and empower Africa to move faster.”
Amen. Hearing this level of understanding and respect for Africa’s energy needs is a big step in the right direction.
The African Energy Chamber has for many years demonstrated the role of natural gas in eradicating energy poverty, growing and diversifying economies, promoting monetization and providing clean energy to Africans as the continent transitions to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydrogen. important role of vitality.
To say we encountered resistance would be an understatement. Concerns about the climate have stoked strong sentiments, with Western countries and environmental groups increasingly pressuring African countries to switch immediately to renewable energy. Not only that, but they are pressuring investors to stop supporting African oil and gas projects. They put pressure on international oil companies to stop exploration and production activities here.
That’s why the African Energy Chamber is encouraging a knowledgeable and outspoken fossil fuel advocate to add his voice to discussions about the world’s energy future. We’re glad to have an advocate making the case that fossil fuel use, especially for developing countries, will be necessary for a long time to come.
Epstein’s “fossil future” is exactly what the world needs.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the African Energy Chamber.
