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> Cranks and pedals are not a solution at all if we decide to cling to an energy-intensive lifestyle - but then, neither is any other renewable (or even non-ren

> Cranks and pedals are not a solution at all if we decide to cling to an energy-intensive lifestyle - but then, neither is any other renewable (or even non-renewable) energy source. The main problem with our approach to pedal powered machines is that we compare them to fossil fuel powered machines and not to the inefficient human powered tools and machines that went before them. I’d prefer to take my renewable energy with no quality of living sacrifice, thanks.

icebraining 7y ago
Let's hope that's possible.
- adrianN 7y ago
  It is possible, it just takes political will and a lot of money.
  - reallydontask 7y ago
    I think renewable energy with no quality of living sacrifice and a lot of money means that this will not be possible for a lot of people without other changes. I'm fortunate enough to be able to afford to pay twice as much for the electricity we consume and not have to sacrifice anything. I'd guess, based on your comment, you are on the same, privileged, boat. Others are not so lucky, which means that they will need some sort of help, which might not be politically palatable because, mainly shortsightedness.
    - adrianN 7y ago
      Adding wind or solar is currently cheaper than adding coal. The marginal costs of renewable energy are pretty low. The investment costs are also lower than the damage climate change will cause. If we really wanted to we could switch to 100% renewables, for example by printing more money. But just stopping subsidies for fossil fuels or setting up a carbon tax would be good steps.
      - reallydontask 7y ago
        I was hardly advocating adding more coal. Removing fossil fuel subsidies and setting up meaningful carbon taxes are steps in the right direction, but this means that the price the consumer pays will, ultimately, be higher, which is the point I was trying to make. FWIW, it's something that I strongly believe we should be doing but through a combination of circumstances will only very slowly happen.

icebraining 7y ago

Let's hope that's possible.

adrianN 7y ago
It is possible, it just takes political will and a lot of money.
- reallydontask 7y ago
  I think renewable energy with no quality of living sacrifice and a lot of money means that this will not be possible for a lot of people without other changes. I'm fortunate enough to be able to afford to pay twice as much for the electricity we consume and not have to sacrifice anything. I'd guess, based on your comment, you are on the same, privileged, boat. Others are not so lucky, which means that they will need some sort of help, which might not be politically palatable because, mainly shortsightedness.
  - adrianN 7y ago
    Adding wind or solar is currently cheaper than adding coal. The marginal costs of renewable energy are pretty low. The investment costs are also lower than the damage climate change will cause. If we really wanted to we could switch to 100% renewables, for example by printing more money. But just stopping subsidies for fossil fuels or setting up a carbon tax would be good steps.
    - reallydontask 7y ago
      I was hardly advocating adding more coal. Removing fossil fuel subsidies and setting up meaningful carbon taxes are steps in the right direction, but this means that the price the consumer pays will, ultimately, be higher, which is the point I was trying to make. FWIW, it's something that I strongly believe we should be doing but through a combination of circumstances will only very slowly happen.