No Happiness with a new energy source

            In chapter eight of Peak Everything by Richard Heinberg, it focuses on climate change and on considerable solutions that can bring happiness. In chapter eight, there is a huge argument between depletion activists and climate activist who have a differing perspective about the future and suitable solutions. A depletion activist is a person who advocates for the peak oil concept; he or she is passionate about defending and educating the public about peak oil. On the other hand, a climate activist is a person who takes action to solve global warming by advocating and providing moderate solutions.

            I believe that many consumers will not be better off in the future but according to Heinberg if there is a solution many consumers will be happy. Heinberg states, “Everyone would be happy if it were possible simply to substitute renewable sources of energy for oil, coal and gas and both depletion activists and climate activists support the expansion of most renewable energy technologies, including solar and wind” (153). This quote shows Heinbergs prediction about the future. He states that everyone will be happy with new resources only if a new source is found to replace fossil fuels. Also, we can assume that Heinberg suggests us to use wind energy which is not powered by fossil fuels. Surprisingly, in this quote we can see that both the depletion activists and the climate activists are at last favorable of a common goal or solution.

            In my current Renewable Sources Equals No Happiness, I argue that in the future most consumers will never be happy and satisfied with a renewable energy source. Heinberg’s idea in chapter eight are relevant to my discussion because based on our current experience of depleting oil or cheap fossil fuels most people are not happy. So with a new source what makes Heinberg think that consumers may be happy in the future? I believe if most consumers are miserable with this energy source we have today they will be more miserable with the new one. Also, I believe if consumers are happy with the renewable energy source this will only be brief.