Session Information

2009 PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONFERENCE

Energy in the Future: Thinking Outside the Box

Since the Industrial Revolution, we have burned enormous amounts of fossil fuels. We have reached peak oil, and while supplies of natural gas and coal may still be large and seemingly inexpensive, consumption is increasing exponentially. In industrial countries like the U.S., fossil fuels are heavily subsidized by transportation costs, pollution costs and tax breaks. An “Energy Revolution” is needed even when apparent fossil fuel costs are low. This panel will be asked to define the energy problem and think inside, around and outside the box.