self-preservation
by shiva on Jul 05, 2008 07:52 AM
The whole fiasco is due to putting politics above national interests. Each has a selfish interest & zero credibilty. The public is treated to a never ending serial, like in our TV mega-shows & the present electric bulbs that give out 90% heat & 10% light! We can switch between food but can we reduce energy consumption?
The crucial issues are never explained. 1. We are 80% dependent on imported oil, mostly from Gulf countries. Our necks are on the line. Looks like oil will run out or peak oil is reached. The days of cheap oil are truly over and oil is on an upward trend. 2. Nuclear energy can at most meet 10% of our needs. We still have to source uranium and that too will tag along with oil. Why should Australia etc not take advantage? Both are depleting and not renewable. The nuclear plants are now really expensive and fuel will also follow with PM Brown gunning for 1000 plants across the world. 3. US, Germany,Japan etc are investing billions in renewables like wind, solar etc. Also making break-throughs in fuel economy vehicles. A break-through in increasing efficiency by 50% in ten years will solve the energy problem. Oil is consumed at 85 million b/day and US with 5% population gorging over 20% with 50% imported. They have to bite the bullet soon and they still have it in them not only to create all the problems but to solve them! They know they can do that without putting up nuclear plants in their backyards!
