Energy

The current energy consumption and production are directly related to the effects on climate change, the economy and national security. So energy is not an issue that stands on its own. Because of the interconnections that exist between climate change, the economy and national security, alternative energy choices are not going to be made available until there is enough concern in these other areas to solicit change. It has been clear for many years that climate change has been occurring, but now a global socio-economic consensus is present in regards to climate change. Higher fuel costs at the gas pump, a declining US dollar and the presence of China as an economic force have changed social opinions to realize that national security is a concern. The economic component is the area that has previously been a sticking point as it relates to change in energy policy. It is here where we can stumble if we do not seek a sound course of action.

The economics of alternative energy do not lie solely with big business. It also lies with hard working middle class Americans who work in coal mines, in coal powered plants, on drilling rigs, in refineries, etc. It is the understanding of these social influences that make it much easier to manage a successful course for the further development and implementation of alternative energy by building the right coalitions. Presently the current course in alternative energy development is beginning to compete with food sources. Not necessarily the best course for change. However, it is the presence of this social phenomenon of a competition in raw materials to make food, indicates that the largest financial interests have quietly begun to take positions in the use of alternative energy sources. This means that it will happen, but at what social expense.

The goal now is to harness this confluence of social events to steer humanity in a way that there will be no adverse social impact in the drive to change from carbon based fuels to alternative energy sources. It is imperative to open up avenues of opportunity for entrepreneurs to bring new ideas to the market place and yet have their ideas protected. There are many persons who have ideas who will not step forward, because of the fear of having their ideas stolen or tabled by competing interests. We need to move beyond this mentality of stealing and tabling ideas and to allow these intellectuals to step forward to help us chart a course of alternative energy creation that diminishes the social impact that otherwise may exist.