The Pros of Expensive Energy

The recent global increase of energy prices has redefined our perspective. Suddenly many people started paying attention to what they do, how to conserve, and in general what energy means to our lives. It turns out everything depends on energy. Which of course is not that surprising, but we simply were not paying attention to this fact when energy was cheap.

Of course there is a lot of lament in the media, but that is not relevant. Media needs crisis and lament to thrive. So just ignore it.

The good news is the expensive energy will undoubtedly result in overall reduced consumption which will lead to reduced manufacturing and reduced energy use. The media will call this a recession, which of course has a negative bias. But does not have to be that negative at all.

We cannot continue growing the economies infinitely based on the finite resources (the planet Earth). It is just not possible. So are we at the end of growth? Maybe. Or maybe not there yet. But definitely there has been some slowdown coming, bringing many good things with it. Less rush, less noise. Less pollution.

From my very very own turf: I enjoy may daily trail runs in the woods. I typically do that early mornings and in wintertime this means before dawn. There is something very special about running in the woods in the dark (I try not to use a headlamp unless absolutely necessary). Most of the time the moon rays diluting through the trees are sufficient enough for an accommodated eye to find the way.

That experience was radically ruined some time ago when the local community installed road lights along  the trail paths (note that this is a national park). To my enjoyment the lights were turned off last week, restoring the environment to the natural state. They were unnecessary but were considered an improvement, a gift from the civilization. While they ruined the experience of woods in the night as well as were polluting the night sky. Now we have recessed and are able to see the stars again.

It seems the "growth is good" barrier is purely mental. Once we slow down we quickly realize it was not so good. And the expensive energy offers an opportunity to come to this conclusion.