The Arithmetic of Sustainability - Part 1: The Power of Proof

The Arithmetic of Sustainability ← Series Home The initial step in tackling the formidable challenge of moving away from fossil fuels is to calculate precisely the sheer scale of the problem: determining the total energy we consume. The current sustainable energy discourse is often mired in emotion and “twaddle,” obscuring the fundamental numerical challenge ahead. To create viable strategies rather than “pipedreams,” we must quantify our energy use—the “red stack”—and compare it directly against potential sustainable production—the “green stack.” ...

Energy consumption analysis

The Arithmetic of Decarburization - Part 2: The Red Truth: Quantifying the Hidden Energy Appetite of Affluent Life

The Arithmetic of Decarburization: A Hard Look at the Energy Revolution ← Series Home The Baseline: Human Energy Needs Before examining modern energy consumption, we should consider the baseline: how much energy does a human body actually need? The answer is approximately 7 MJ per day (about 2,000 kcal), assuming moderate activity. This represents the absolute minimum energy throughput required for human survival. ...