30/06/23 Friday Thoughts

As I wrap up my week, I find myself reflecting on a challenging issue that’s been on my mind lately. It's an argument that at first glance seems contradictory, especially for someone like me, who cares deeply about our environment: the idea that we might need to unlock more fossil fuels to ensure our energy security.

Yes, you read that correctly. Unlock more fossil fuels. Now, before your brows furrow and you write me off as an eco-traitor, let me explain.

In a world grappling with the consequences of climate change, with wildfires raging and polar ice caps melting, the narrative of reducing our dependence on fossil fuels is more relevant than ever. So, why on earth would I suggest that we need more of them?

The key lies in understanding what energy security is. Energy security is the assurance that we'll have access to energy in various forms, at any given time, in sufficient quantities, and at prices we can afford. Without energy security, our society, as we know it, would be under threat. It's an unfortunate reality that, as of today, fossil fuels play a significant role in ensuring this energy security due to their widespread availability, ease of storage and transport, and well-established infrastructure.

Like many of you, I yearn for a future powered by clean, renewable energy sources. But the harsh reality is that we cannot flip a switch and replace fossil fuels overnight. The technology and infrastructure for renewables are progressing rapidly, but they're not yet robust enough to fulfill all our energy needs. Until that day comes, we must ensure that we don't find ourselves in a precarious situation where our energy demands outpace our supply. And for that, like it or not, we still need fossil fuels.

It’s also important to note that the affordability and accessibility of renewable energy technologies vary greatly across the globe. As much as we’d like to see every nation powered by the sun and the wind, the transition isn't as straightforward or as affordable for everyone. This raises another key dimension of energy security: equity.

By suggesting that we might need to unlock more fossil fuels, I'm not advocating for an increase in our reliance on them. Rather, I see it as a necessary, albeit uncomfortable, strategic move to safeguard our energy security while we navigate the transition to a more sustainable future. We must commit to making this transition as swiftly as possible, while also investing heavily in renewable technologies and sustainable energy policies.

In essence, the challenge of energy security isn't an excuse to continue our love affair with fossil fuels. Instead, it's a stark reminder that we need to balance our immediate energy requirements with our future environmental responsibilities. It's a precarious tightrope to walk, and it won't be easy. But nothing worth doing ever is, right?

So, as I move into my weekend, I'll continue to mull over this predicament, this balancing act that we're all part of. The solution isn't simple, but then again, the best challenges never are.