You have no idea how refreshing I find the statement “Sadly I do not have a compelling conclusion”. That plus the fact you finished the post with a question. These are strengths, not weaknesses. Excellent piece with multiple topics to consider. Much of social media, in all fields including energy, has evolved into statements made with absolute certainty about things which are uncertain. If I scream loud enough it must be true.
Like you my observation is that since the advent of modern economics we have only ever been in a growth phase. I don't believe there is any empirical evidence that an economy can stably 'de-grow'. There is a lot of wishful thinking, but I don't believe it is likely to be really possible, given human nature.
You mean that you don't believe stuff like this : "Tim Jackson, a professor of sustainable development at the University of Surrey, in England, calls on Western countries to shift their economies from mass-market production to local services—such as nursing, teaching, and handicrafts—that could be less resource-intensive."? 😵💫
Ha. I suppose we could revert to a low energy intensity world (powered by Amory Lovins' Soft Path) but it would mean living like we did in 1800. Putting aside the fact that probably no one actually wants this (once they understand what that really means on the ground, for them personally) the question is, how would one get there from here, avoiding war, strife, and famine and mass death in the process? I do not believe it is possible. I am sure there is no actual evidence that this can be achieved.
You have no idea how refreshing I find the statement “Sadly I do not have a compelling conclusion”. That plus the fact you finished the post with a question. These are strengths, not weaknesses. Excellent piece with multiple topics to consider. Much of social media, in all fields including energy, has evolved into statements made with absolute certainty about things which are uncertain. If I scream loud enough it must be true.
Thank you. Very appreciated.
Like you my observation is that since the advent of modern economics we have only ever been in a growth phase. I don't believe there is any empirical evidence that an economy can stably 'de-grow'. There is a lot of wishful thinking, but I don't believe it is likely to be really possible, given human nature.
You mean that you don't believe stuff like this : "Tim Jackson, a professor of sustainable development at the University of Surrey, in England, calls on Western countries to shift their economies from mass-market production to local services—such as nursing, teaching, and handicrafts—that could be less resource-intensive."? 😵💫
Ha. I suppose we could revert to a low energy intensity world (powered by Amory Lovins' Soft Path) but it would mean living like we did in 1800. Putting aside the fact that probably no one actually wants this (once they understand what that really means on the ground, for them personally) the question is, how would one get there from here, avoiding war, strife, and famine and mass death in the process? I do not believe it is possible. I am sure there is no actual evidence that this can be achieved.