DF -It is that type of attitude that prevents us from going forward technologically (and socially) in this country. Why use gas lamps when candles work just fine? Why use electric lights when gas lamps work just fine? Why move to wind or solar or any other energy source if coal works just fine?Every new technology needs time to develop and be perfected. Yes, moving towards solar or wind completely too soon can cost more money than staying with coal and oil, but not allowing companies to develop and perfect these technologies will cost more money in the long run. What happens when the accessible coal and oil are gone? Suppose your neighborhood is discovered to have coal or natural gas under it – do you move, or allow a company to put a mine in your backyard? Do you want to live in the same neighborhood as a coal mine or refinery?Solar and wind power are renewable sources that, when perfected, will eventually be able to handle most of our energy needs. At that point, people like you will complain and belittle those who are trying to make it more efficient, or cheaper, or perhaps those developing orbiting ion collection sails to transfer energy back to earth.
DF -It is that type of attitude that prevents us from going forward technologically (and socially) in this country. Why use gas lamps when candles work just fine? Why use electric lights when gas lamps work just fine? Why move to wind or solar or any other energy source if coal works just fine?Every new technology needs time to develop and be perfected. Yes, moving towards solar or wind completely too soon can cost more money than staying with coal and oil, but not allowing companies to develop and perfect these technologies will cost more money in the long run. What happens when the accessible coal and oil are gone? Suppose your neighborhood is discovered to have coal or natural gas under it – do you move, or allow a company to put a mine in your backyard? Do you want to live in the same neighborhood as a coal mine or refinery?Solar and wind power are renewable sources that, when perfected, will eventually be able to handle most of our energy needs. At that point, people like you will complain and belittle those who are trying to make it more efficient, or cheaper, or perhaps those developing orbiting ion collection sails to transfer energy back to earth.