Energy That Works

Energy is the fluid that allows an economy to be efficient.  When people have energy available for heating, cooling, automation, and transportation, it allows a greater amount of time to be spent on higher value activities.  Imagine if your commute to work had to be on a bike, or walking.  You would have much less time for being able to work, or be at home.  We saw so many people walking when we were in Africa, and I kept thinking about all the time that was being wasted.  Certainly there isn't an obesity issue in Africa, and this is a positive of all the walking.  

Our entire way of life in terms transportation, food storage, housing, and industry completely relies on readily available energy.  Economic growth is driven by efficiency in getting tasks accomplished, and energy allows this to happen.  Machines that are automated make more product.  There are growing pains when systems are changed, plants are closed, and workforce numbers are reduced, but the bigger picture of overall growth must be kept in mind.  

Our education and political arenas are incredibly devoid of useful economic understanding.  It is high time to start a dialog on these issues and start to understand that our ability to produce efficiently is directly related to reliable low cost energy.