The Arithmetic of Sustainability - Part 1: The Power of Proof
The Arithmetic of Sustainability ← Series Home The current discourse surrounding sustainable energy is frequently dominated by “twaddle.” Everyone agrees that transitioning away from fossil fuels is crucial, and individuals are encouraged to “make a difference,” yet many of the actions and proposals suggested simply don’t add up when scrutinized numerically. This high level of “twaddle emissions” arises because public debate often becomes emotional—concerning wind farms or nuclear power, for example—and people rarely discuss concrete numbers. If numbers are mentioned, they’re often cherry-picked to create an impression, sound impressive, or score points in arguments, rather than genuinely contributing to thoughtful discussion. ...