Using Climate as a Tool: Fossil Future (book review)
Review of the book by Alex Epstein
So much about the climate change agenda does not seem to make sense, so many of the specified calculations do not add up. Prior predictions were never close to coming true so, it was always hard to understand how we are supposed to believe every word that comes from a specified group of experts and why all discussion and debate was silenced. Climate is being treated like many of major issues we face in society today, those who do not conform to the official agenda are to be shunned. “Follow the science™” “Listen to the experts” are the mantras we are being told to repeat and obey… the larger questions are why?, Why are we to listen to the people who have yet to prove out a single one of their theories? Why should we commit to changes to society and lifestyles without a firm foundation and track record of accuracy to follow?
These are questions that Alex Epstein seeks to answer and more than answer, explain why the answers he provides can make sense. Alex Epstein discusses and explains every aspect of the climate change action agenda. Unlike many other articles and books on the matter, he defines terms, presents facts & figures, not just explaining the pros and cons of each part of the climate puzzle but also presenting both the ‘consensus’ opinions of what actions to take, his own opinions on actions to take coupled with advantages and disadvantages of each. While the reader may not agree with the weight Mr Epstein gives to each aspect of his presentation, he goes out of his way to present as many of the specifics of opposing views as possible.
Alex Epstein refers to himself, as he has when he testified before congress, as a philosopher. As such, he examines the philosophical world views that define the differing approaches to the climate issues explored. This is a unique approach and care is taken to make sure that a full ‘framework’ of these worldviews is clearly defined. Toward this end, the book is divided into four specific parts. First establishing the ‘framework’ followed by examinations into the benefits of the different framework approaches, possible side effects that can be identified and then a conclusion that draws it all together.
On the whole, the approach is refreshing. It is nice to see an issue fully fleshed out, terminology defined and then those definitions brought into the full context of the discussion at hand. The book’s discussion does not preach or talk down to the reader quite the opposite it seems to do for the climate discussion what Thomas Jefferson did for the idea of American independence, it places before the reader, (as Jefferson had said in a letter to Richard Henry Lee) “the common sense of the subject in terms so plain as to command ascent”.
Even if the reader started the book with full faith and confidence in advice of the government chosen experts and their work, the presentation made by Alex Epstein in this tome provides (to this reader at least) a complete sounding board to think all of the recommendations through. The broader history of predictive failure is dissected along with the potential reasoning for the consistency of these continually failed predictions. Mr Epstein (in our view) correctly assesses that the current crop of renewable (or green) energy alternatives are not yet plausible to replace the ‘fossil fuel’ based energy needs that are present in modern society unless we, as a society, are prepared to make very significant changes. Not just making a defacto statement but rather going into detail concerning which parts of our societal ‘fossil fuel’ energy cocktail can be potentially replaced, augmented by or reduced by use of renewables/green energy.
In summary, ‘Fossil Future’ is a solid piece of work that will push the reader to think through all the material. The reader may set aside their previous assumptions or have them confirmed depending on each reader’s particular worldview and the ‘framework’ with which they align. Science, medicine & the rule of law should not be political footballs to punted back and forth between the left and right. There are absolutes when issues are fact based. Facts can be distorted and sensationalized based upon agenda, ‘framework, or worldview. In our opinion a solid effort is made in this book to take the politics out of a very seriously debated scientific issue that effects each and every one of us, as well as our children, grandchildren and descendants.
Well worth a read, after reading, please let us know if you agree.
Fossil Future by Alex Epstein (printed, ebook or audiobook) Amazon link
Follow us @EIBLegacy on Twitter, Truth, Gettr, Gab, Minds and Telegram
EIBLegacy is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
EIBLegacy is not affiliated with iHeartMedia or the Rush Limbaugh Estate.
One more thing: If you would like a paid subscription but cannot afford one, email us at info@eiblegacy.com and we will set you up with a complimentary period.