Sunday, November 22, 2015

Renewables vs Degrowth

Yes, it is true that using current energy from the sun is better than burning concentrated ancient energy from the sun. But is that benefit delivered by renewables?

  • As long as there is growth, by population or development, energy saved in one place will be consumed in another.
  • Many renewable schemes intercept energy that would have been stored in plants or soil.
  • Renewables rely on a complex society, a complexity that depends on hi-net-energy fuel.

Humans cruising down the highway, sitting in traffic, or buying gadgets, are turning energy into heat, whether is came from kinetic, stored, or radiation. More humans, more heat, even if carbon emissions are stopped.

Degrowth is the best way to reduce heat and ghg emissions. Make cities car-free and birth rates will drop.