By: The Need for More Energy and Less CO2 | David Lawrence of Shell

The Need for More Energy and Less CO2 | David Lawrence of Shell — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 19:01:51 +0000

[…] The energy transition article discusses the challenge of meeting the increasing global demands for energy while also simultaneously decreasing CO2 emissions. The need for leadership, innovation, and research and development is also important, in order to move closer to the ideal energy system which features affordability and availability while also being safe, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. For the full article, visit http://www.westernconfluence.org/energy-transition/. […]

By: Ron Masters

Ron Masters — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 20:52:20 +0000

Yes, but the portfolio has global constraints on the acceptable mix. Fossil fuels are subsidized by externalizing costs, especially those associated with CO2. Internalize those costs with CCS, at the expense of coal profits? There just isn’t enough profit.
CO2 stays in the atmosphere for millennia, and incremental warming continues for centuries. To meet the COP21 goal of limiting warming to 2°C, we must limit cumulative future net emissions to about 1 trillion tons, roughly equivalent to current proven reserves of oil. Gas reserves are almost as large, & coal is 3 times greater. Better leave as much in the ground as possible. Yes, we do need energy now, but is it ethical to use it at the expense of future generations?

Comments on: Energy Transition

By: The Need for More Energy and Less CO2 | David Lawrence of Shell

By: Ron Masters