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> I think we probably are headed towards a post-scarcity (or low-scarcity) economy. I think this prediction is naive, irresponsible, and dangerous. We are hea

> I think we probably are headed towards a post-scarcity (or low-scarcity) economy. I think this prediction is naive, irresponsible, and dangerous. We are headed toward one of the most tragic shortages in human history: energy. It is possible that within some of our lifetimes, we will see the breakdown of industrialization itself unless we do something about it, right now and in a very big way.

thaumaturgy 13y ago
Despite an explosion of personal electronics, U.S. domestic energy usage has leveled off in recent years, even as renewable energy usage continues to increase. Almost all consumer technology has developed a new focus on energy efficiency over the last decade+. I realize the U.S. doesn't represent the whole world, but some other countries are even further along in the development of renewable energy sources, while other countries will be forced by increasing energy costs to follow suit. And, notably, the first published concerns about peak oil being "right around the corner" were in the 1920s. That's not to say there isn't cause to be concerned, but I'm cautiously optimistic about the future of energy. I'm neither naive nor irresponsible, and I'm only occasionally dangerous. :-)