Stop comparing fossil fuels to new technology!

Things will move faster as

1 more threat of global warming will be evidenced.

2 Fossil flues will go in depletion range.

But isn't that what is going on in the alternative front ?

The main problem is the cost. If you see the solar cells itself, the cost of it is prohibitive. A common man is not in a position to afford it and that cancele out the urgency - which is for the planet vs affordability which is for me.

Most of the cost reduction is through research and through mass (of production) which has cut down the cost of computers for example. These researches are the result of urgency. If intel doesn't do it, motorola is there breathing on its back or AMD is nearby.

But for oil (and added to it the petro$) ensures that no competition is nearby.

What I worry is suddenly as the wells dry up, we will land up in a crisis management situation. And we are absolutely not prepared.

Still main source of electricity generation (may be > 70%) is coal and oil and as we know, the pinch for availability has started (at least of coal already the quality has fallen down). But still as you know, more and more power stations are still dependent on coal.

Nuclear is a taboo mostly for safety concerns as well as for the regulations, which most nations treat as the encrachment on sovereignity.

Problems are in all these aspects. researches are on, but not to the speed necessary. Since crisis is tomorrow and tomorrow never comes .

The great myth is that governments care about the needs of the people. Governments, regardless of the system, are only concerned about the loss of revenue streams that would occur with transitions from fossil fuels to any renewable forms. The sooner engineers come to grips with this sad reality, the more realistic their efforts will become. Renewable energy sources are at least 50 or more years away from being able to replace fossil based revenues. I share your opinion that the all mighty dollar, rhee, rupee, pound, lira, etc... is the devil. However,the current world-wide recession should tells us that it is all that really matters. No one deposits ideology into a bank account, nor do ideas alone buy food, shelter and health care.

Do you have some facts or studies to support your opinion? That's where the debate c can get really interesting.

After analyzing my opinion, I realized my disappointment is in the private sector. People want a product to buy, not to make. Government and scientists are what they are because of supply and demand. People in general are lazy and don't want to think about maintenance, much less having anything to do with the actual fabrication of a product.

Still just my opinion, Vic

Yes, in the end we are existing in an economic reality where supply and demand always trump, in the long term, everything else.

You got to that answer quite handily!

milo

I am realizing I am more of a reactionary than I care to admit. My feelings are correct but my brain jumps right in there without any direction.

I wish people would get more involved in trying to solve today's challenges instead of waiting for someone else to do it. Much of my employment and freelance experience have been filled with co-workers asking me to give them specific instructions: "How do I hook this up?... Where doe's that go?" . I am not a babysitter! Here is the wiring diagram, figure it out for yourself or find a line of work you CAN do.

I am not a very good boss. I also have not had many people to banter with that can blow me away intellectually. So far I still like this forum very much and welcome this opportunity to learn.

Vic

Your frustration is proof that you belong here.

I think we all hate the "baby birds" that lack any sense of what to do with out being told.

"Feed me,"they all insist. "Tell me what to do."

Like the first part of being a professional is obedience...

Again, welcome to CR4.

milo