Bridge to the Future of Energy
It can
no longer be denied that our planet is reaching a point of crisis relating to
fossil fuel resources: their long lasting effects as well as sustainability. The
level of Global Climate change is becoming extremely detrimental to humans,
creatures, and ecosystems, mainly as a result from anthropogenic greenhouse
gases emitted from excessive use of fossil fuels. Beyond the problems of this
detrimental lifestyle the future of fossil fuels must be short lived if we
maintain a status quo. There is simply not enough fuel left on the planet for
humankind to keep consuming at current rates without alteration. These points
are heretofore indisputable. What remains in question is what we, as Americans
and as temporary inhabitants of this planet can and will do to prevent a
catastrophic oil crisis.
Many
say that alternative fuels and clean energy are the way of the future; however,
other’s dispute that we are a long way off of being able to function effectively
with these new technologies. In order to avoid a painfully long and ineffective
stalemate, Paul Roberts, in his book The End of Oil, proposed a three tiered
plan to bridge the gap between current fuel economy and the sustainable ways of
the future. “A “bridge” economy, a transitional phase designed to arrest the
worst of the current energy trends, while giving us more flexibility in
eventually creating a new energy system.” Although overly simplified and
easier-said-than-done, Robert’s three step strategy gives hope to the potential
of future progress and, with appropriate cooperation and motivation, would lead
to a manageable point of transition.
The
first goal of the bridge economy is “an immediate move to expand natural gas
imports.” Although Natural Gas is still classifies as a fossil fuel and is not
one of the highly acclaimed clean-renewable energies, it is a progressive source
of fuel that would be a step in the right direction as far as greenhouse gases
as well as aiding in the problem of fuel quantity. Roberts, however, is not
suggesting that the global energy market switch its focus from oil and coal to
Natural gas as a long term solution. He suggests that Natural gas act as merely
a stepping stone to elongate our energy sustainability that will ultimately be
able to launch us into developing future energy alternatives.
Conceptually, Natural Gas seems like a fantastic option. But is it feasible?
Many studies have been done on the potential reserves and their availability for
extraction. The U.S. Department of Energy is taking an extensive look at
potential sources within American soil. One study of the pacific mountain region
turned up mixed findings. Although this report does
not give a no-holds-bound green light to the progress of the project it is very
workable information. Natural Gas reserves are found, in some quantity, under
every region of the
The
second goal of the bridging plan involves discouraging the excessive use of
carbon based fuels through initiating a Carbon Tax. There are a lot of public
opinions against a carbon tax initiative. People say that it would be unfairly
taxing the consumers, putting a heavy burden on top of the high cost of fuels.
There is also the claim that big businesses would simply put out the money to
pay for their wasteful consumption. Roberts suggests a gradual system that would
allow everyone time to adapt. This would be beneficial for the small consumers
as well as the big businesses. This would provide a monetary incentive to look
for alternative fuels, specifically ones that are cleaner and more
environmentally conscious, not just focusing on the longevity of fossil fuels.
Another disparaging outlook of an American Carbon tax is the seeming futility of
it. Because emissions do not hover over the country from which they are
released, it is a global problem that has to be addressed internationally. It
would be useless for
The
final goal of the plan is already somewhat in action; however, the strategy
requires taking it to a higher level with more intensity: dramatically improved
automotive fuel efficiency. Already there are hybrid cars and high mpg’s are
treated with a never before seen reverence. However, as the demand for fuel
efficient vehicles raises so does the exigency for massive gas guzzling SUV’s.
Raising fuel efficiency is not only possibly but probable. Benefits exist across
the board from cleaner air to lower gas expenses. The technology is already
available; it needs to be implemented and embraced to create a world of
difference.
The
main issue with this is that when it comes to purchasing vehicles and their
efficiency, public opinion counts for everything. People do not consider the
costs of fuel when purchasing a vehicle because it is spread out over such a
long time. In order to raise awareness and encourage an environmental
conscience, Roberts suggests a system of fees and rebates: charging for poor
efficiencies and giving rebates to high mpg’s. Without requirement of government
funding, it may cause some unhappy consumers, but, in the end, the fees they pay
they have put on themselves.
One
may ask whether or not this is a realistic scenario. So far, on a trial basis,
things seem to be working out well. In 2005 an Energy Policy Act was temporarily
put into place. Within this system automotive manufacturers found a rise in
demand for the hybrid vehicles. Acquiring one became challenging because
consumers were ready and willing to get on board. The policy quickly became
nullified for automobiles because manufacturers reached their cap numbers
without delay. Seeing how well this one sided incentive worked several years
ago, is an encouraging ground on which to launch a system of consumer driven
feebates. The power is in the hands of the people and they can literally dive us
into a cleaner future
Although the attitude of Robert’s bridge system may seem overly optimistic,
ignoring the potential for public and governmental backlash, optimism is the
only way to move forward. We are reaching a point in history when too late may
be sooner than we think. The longer we talk and debate and iron out the issues
the deeper we are immersed into a self-perpetuating pit of despair. Radicals are
immediately dismissed for their lack of understanding and rationale which is why
hope can be found in Robert’s firm but gradual plan. In this scenario more than
any other, it cannot hurt to try. There is too much at stake to let it fall by
the wayside. The future is now. Embrace it.