Energy is vital to addressing the global need for electricity, the products and fuels currently manufactured from crude oil. Energy production (specifically the combustion of fossil fuels for the production of electricity) and the manufacturing of crude oil into usable products and fuels for transportation infrastructures, military and space programs are major contributors to the greenhouse gases that blanket Earth and trap the sun’s heat.
Over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions can be traced back to the use of fossil fuels like coal, crude oil and natural gas, making them the largest cause of global emissions.
According to energy consultant Ronald Stein, the world needs to be excited about the potential for nuclear fusion for unlimited zero-emission electricity. From his perspective, it has the potential to wean the world from coal and natural gas for electricity generation in the decades ahead.
As Stein points out, fusion like wind, solar, nuclear and hydro only generates electricity. None can manufacture any products or fuels for transportation infrastructures needed by the 8 billion people on this planet, he says.
On the other hand, Stein says the world creates crude oil that is never used for generating electricity and is virtually useless until it is manufactured into usable products.
“Today, the world’s 8 billion people are dependent on more than 6,000 products made from the oil derivatives manufactured from crude oil,” he says. “Over 50,000 merchant ships and 50,000 jets, militaries, and space programs are based on the fuels manufactured from crude oil. We may have long-range plans to generate electricity from wind, solar or nuclear fusion, but no plans to replace crude oil that is manufactured into everything in our daily lives.”
More than 80% of global energy production comes from coal, natural gas and crude oil, but renewable energy sources like wind and solar are making progress in the generation of electricity. In 2020, renewable energy sources account for roughly 29% of the world’s total electricity production.
Stein has done his fair share of study on the subject of energy, its use and the recent uptick in demand for more products and fuels manufactured from crude oil, and for more electricity. He is a Pulitzer Prize-nominated co-author for his work on “Clean Energy Exploitations: Helping Citizens Understand the Environmental and Humanity Abuses That Support Clean Energy,” and he is a widely read columnist whose work emphasizes energy literacy. As a staunch supporter of ecological security, he has written two books on the subject with Todd Royal: “Just Green Electricity” and “Energy Made Easy.” The tireless advocacy he has shown for the education of the public about energy, fossil fuels, and renewable energy resources is reflected in his masterworks.
As a bonus, the books listed above are references for substantiating the argument that resources for electricity, products and fuels are essential for human survival and global economic growth. Stein’s vast experience has led to a position as policy advisor on energy literacy for both the Heartland Institute and the Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow.
He has initiated a campaign called “Ron’s Fireside Chat” to do just that with learners of all ages and in all fields of study, from kindergarten through high school. From here, Stein offers narrative-rich examples to help individuals grasp how they can effect change in the energy sector. It equips the general population with the language and ideas necessary to envision equitable and sustainable futures and to have a meaningful conversation about energy at the dinner table.
Stein claims that there is a persistent rise in the global demand for products manufactured from crude oil. The supply chain will be severely hampered if they are expected to close down, he says. It will put massive pressure on price increases and shortages in the long run. According to Stein’s research, renewable electricity sources like wind turbines and solar panels cannot produce any of the oil derivatives that form the basis of thousands of other products used every day.
Inflation and shortages are likely to become the new normal as worldwide refinery closures outpace new constructions, placing a disproportionate burden on developing nations. So, the world needs to consider the repercussions of a future without crude oil.
Stein’s publications about energy literacy are extensive and varied, touching on nearly every facet of the subject.
The news and editorial staffs of the Chicago Tribune had no role in this post’s preparation