Abstract
In Chap. 4 it was noted in passing, that the evolution of advanced market economies based, not on fossil fuels, but on renewable energy, was certainly a feasible option for mankind and could undoubtedly have been initiated almost two centuries ago. However, once substantial deposits of coal had been discovered, the adoption of the fossil fuel route to ‘civilisation’ was inevitable. Since then, despite strong and clear scientific warnings, from as early as 1900, that over reliance on fossil fuel burning for much of our energy needs would lead inexorably to serious ecological ramifications for the planet, mankind persevered.
The development of civilization and industry in general has always shown itself so active in the destruction of forests, that everything that has been done for their conservation and production is completely insignificant in comparison
Karl Marx
We are the first species (as far as we know) that is able to reflect on where we have come from and where we are headed. We are, therefore, able to conceptualise the necessary conditions for our own survival as a species and, in the light of that understanding, so shape our living patterns in order to optimise our survival chances
Jonathan Porritt
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Sangster, A.J. (2011). Dismantling the Fossil Fuel Era. In: Warming to Ecocide. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-926-0_7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-926-0_7
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