Walk Before You Run

If we don’t have — and won’t for a long time — enough sources of renewable energy, WE CAN’T CUT OFF THE SUPPLY AND USE OF HYDROCARBONS.

Why isn’t this clear to European policy makers?  Are they not REALITY BASED in their thinking?  Or do the whims of the little girl from Sweden hold sway?

You can’t stop the global economy to stave off a future crisis.  The same people clamoring in theory to do it wouldn’t stand it for ONE DAY were it to happen.

From OilPrice.com:

The Harsh Truth Behind Europe’s Energy Crisis

Five telling passages:

• “The lack of supply of natural gas by Russia (or the political will to supply more), the difficulty of ramping up Norwegian gas or other gas imports quickly, is jeopardizing Europe’s energy situation. At the same time, a possible shutdown of several electricity-intensive industries in Europe, such as fertilizers, chemicals, and steel/aluminum production is on the table.”
• “Political leaders will have to face the direct implications of higher energy bills or possible energy deficits for consumers and the industry.”
• “European leaders desperately need to reconsider their position towards Russian gas supplies and the future role of NordStream 2, which is still being threatened by US sanctions and Eastern European opposition.”
• “At the same time, European politicians also should acknowledge that without hydrocarbons, not only does energy supply become threatened, but the hydrocarbon economy suffers. It is not yet fully understood by most, but without hydrocarbons, especially natural gas and oil, food and other primary sectors will be hit hard. The first shutdowns of fertilizer and steel companies have already been reported.”
• “The European long-term energy strategy should acknowledge the position of hydrocarbons as a backbone while investing in renewable options at the same time. Investments in storage, diversified supply, and domestic production are crucial.  Without these, supply giants such as Putin’s Russia are holding all the cards.” 

WHERE ARE THE ENERGY-TRANSITION ACTION PLANS?  WHERE ARE THE REALISTIC TIMETABLES AND MILESTONES?  WHERE IS THE WILL TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE INTENSIVELY?  THIS IS NOT A MORAL CRUSADE, IT’S AN ENGINEERING PROBLEM. 

AND WHILE IT’S EXISTENTIAL, IT’S NOT MERELY ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE.  IF THE WORLD STOPS RUNNING TOMORROW, PEOPLE WILL STARVE AND DIE.  NOT IN 20 YEARS BUT NOW. 

IF YOU HAVEN’T REALIZED IT, TODAY’S WORLD STILL RUNS MAINLY ON HYDROCARBONS.

WE’RE IGNORING THE IMMEDIATE THREAT.