By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber
Energy expert Alex Epstein believes that when presented with the facts about the positive effects of fossil fuels – not to mention their potential to improve the quality of life for billions of people in developing countries – even proponents of “staying in the ground” will reconsider their position.
It's because he saw it done.
Since 2014, when Epstein published “The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels,” he has seen people who did not support the use of fossil fuels become supporters. It may not be enough, he admits, but it happens.
In “The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels,” Epstein uses logic and facts to show that the ability of fossil fuels to provide cheap, reliable energy to the world is a very big deal – and that the world still needs this ability.
Today, as calls to end fossil fuel production grow louder, Mr. Epstein is once again pitting emotional arguments against logical, well-researched truths. In his new book, “Fossil Future: Why Global Human Flourishing Requires More Oil, Coal, and Natural Gas – Not Less,” Epstein demonstrates that the benefits of fossil fuels far outweigh their drawbacks for years to come .
“I will demonstrate that the use of fossil fuels will make the world a much better place, a place where billions more people will have the opportunity to thriveincluding escaping poverty, having a chance to pursue their dreams and – what will probably sound craziest of all – benefiting from a better environmental quality and in being less threatened by climate », writes Mr. Epstein in the first chapter of his book.
Epstein is not a climate change denier. It acknowledges that fossil fuels have contributed to the one degree Celsius warming that has occurred over the past hundred years and will likely contribute to greater warming. But he says the benefits of using fossil fuels – starting with the ability they give us not only to survive, but to thrive – far outweigh the negative effects on the climate.
Moreover, he writes, fossil fuels improve our ability to control climate danger. Thanks to the use of fossil fuels, the average person is 50 times less likely to die from a climate-related disaster than they were in a world one degree Celsius colder in the past. Epstein points out that machines powered by fossil fuels are used to build weather-resistant buildings, to produce heat and to cool the air. Irrigation systems powered by fossil fuels help alleviate drought.
The use of fossil fuels is so important to the future of the world, Epstein writes, that “policies proposed today to rapidly eliminate the use of fossil fuels would, if fully implemented, have truly apocalyptic consequences.” , making the world an impoverished, dangerous and miserable place for most people.”
Not only do I completely agree with the arguments that Epstein so eloquently makes about the current and future importance of fossil fuels, but I share his optimism about the power of sharing evidence of that importance in a clear and convincing. When critics of fossil fuels are confronted with truths and are at least willing to consider them with an open mind, they can indeed become supporters, even defenders.
Take the example of former UN climate envoy Mary Robinson, who is also a former president of Ireland. As recently as last November, at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland, Robinson criticized world leaders for what she saw as a lack of urgency in fight against climate change. Since then, after taking a closer look at sub-Saharan Africa's widespread energy poverty – 600 million people in the region lack reliable electricity and 900 million lack clean cooking fuel – Ms Robinson began to advocate for the continued production and use of natural gas in Africa.
“Africa is trying to raise its voice on its needs for fair and equitable energy, and that of course involves some use of gas as a means of just transition,” Mr Robinson told the Guardian. “We must leave some room for maneuver to tackle energy poverty in Africa and give Africa the capacity to act more quickly. »
Amen. Hearing this level of understanding and respect for Africa's energy needs is a big step in the right direction.
The African Energy Chamber has spent years advocating the vital role of natural gas in eradicating energy poverty, growing and diversifying economies, facilitating monetization and providing Africans with energy clean as the continent transitions to renewable energy such as solar power, wind power and hydrogen energy.
To say we encountered resistance is an understatement. Climate concerns have stirred strong emotions, and increasingly, Western countries and environmental groups are pressuring African countries to make an immediate transition to renewable energy. Additionally, they pressured investors to stop supporting African oil and gas projects. They pressured international oil companies to cease exploration and production activities in Africa.
This is why the African Energy Chamber is delighted that a knowledgeable and outspoken fossil fuel advocate is adding his voice to the debate on the energy future of our world. We are encouraged to have an advocate who uses facts to show that the use of fossil fuels, especially in developing countries, will be necessary in the future.
Epstein’s “Fossil Future” is exactly what the world needs.
