The Decarbonization Delusion: What 3.5 Billion Years of Biological Sustainability Can Teach Us

The race to de-carbonize our energy systems is leading us closer to environmental disaster, according to Andrew Moore's book "The Decarbonization Delusion." Moore argues that we should look to life on Earth, which has used carbon in highly sustainable ways for 3.5 billion years, as a model for how humans can use carbon sustainably. He draws on extensive research and original calculations to disprove common fallacies about carbon-based energy carriers and their alternatives and asks us to re-think our assumptions and approach sustainable energy development in a more scientific and dispassionate fashion.

Format: Hardback
Length: 408 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The race to de-carbonize our energy systems is a topic of significant concern, as it raises the question of whether we are moving towards an environmental disaster. While carbon, in various forms, has been the primary energy carrier and storage substance for life on Earth, there is a growing movement to replace carbon-based energy carriers with solutions based on other elements and minerals. In his book "The Decarbonization Delusion," independent scientist and writer Andrew Moore argues that this race to decarbonize is actually taking us further down the road to environmental degradation.

Moore begins by discussing carbon's role in the inception of the universe and its critical importance in biology. He identifies several intriguing features of biology's use of carbon that are crucial to creating sustainable human economies on Earth. Throughout the book, Moore draws on extensive research and original calculations to disprove common fallacies about carbon-based energy carriers and their alternatives.

One of the fallacies Moore challenges is the widely perceived superiority of battery technology over carbon-based fuels. While battery technology has made significant advancements in recent years, it is not without its limitations. For example, battery storage is still expensive, and the materials used in batteries are not environmentally friendly. Additionally, the production and disposal of batteries can have significant environmental impacts.

Another fallacy Moore challenges is the idea that carbon should have no place in our energy economies. While it is true that carbon emissions contribute to climate change, Moore argues that carbon can be used sustainably if we adopt a life-cycle approach. This approach involves using carbon as a raw material to produce energy, and then recycling the carbon back into the environment when the energy is no longer needed.

Moore also argues that the decarbonization of our energy systems is not a viable solution to climate change. Instead, he suggests that we should focus on reducing our overall energy consumption and transitioning to renewable energy sources. This includes investing in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, as well as promoting energy efficiency and conservation.

In conclusion, the race to de-carbonize our energy systems is a complex issue that requires careful consideration. While carbon has been a critical energy carrier and storage substance for life on Earth, it is not without its limitations. The decarbonization of our energy systems is not a viable solution to climate change, and we should instead focus on reducing our overall energy consumption and transitioning to renewable energy sources. By adopting a life-cycle approach to carbon use, we can create sustainable human economies on Earth that are compatible with the environment.

Weight: 694g
Dimension: 165 x 243 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197664834