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Re: Ecological Economics and Entropy



In <JMC.96Nov3174408@Steam.stanford.edu> jmc@Steam.stanford.edu (John
McCarthy) writes: 
>
>In article <32811072.4002365@news.midtown.net> alnev@midtown.net
(A.J.) writes:
> > Why not try the work-smarter approach of putting at least half our
> > effort into *reducing demand* instead of always looking toward
> > increasing the supply of everything?  

That is only *working smarter*, insofar as excessive demand is
generated by inefficient work methods. Something
different, however, is implied here:

> > The assumption that we can
> > support 15 billion people is the wrong attitude to begin with.

The suggestion, then, is not *working smarter* but
*living less*, in fewer numbers. No, thank you. 
You go first.

>There is enough available surface for solar energy to serve as our
>main source.  

At current energy consumption levels, enough for
trillions of people, let alone 15 billion.
Of course these levels need to be increased;
but even so, surface area is not a limiting factor.
And if it were - what's wrong with
capturing sunlight off-planet?

>The present problem is that fossil fuel energy is very
>much cheaper now.  Nuclear energy is also cheaper and will remain so.

Yes, but aren't we fortunate to have such "problems"?


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