Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Vaclav Smil Says Climate Activists Need to Get Real

Everything You Thought You Knew, and Why You're Wrong

A scientist and policy analyst examines the systems that rule our world, denounces easy solutions and makes the case for uncertainty.

...every fundamental aspect of modern civilization rests overwhelmingly on fossil fuel combustion. Take our food system. Readers of Michael Pollan or Amanda Little understand that it's morally indefensible to purchase Chilean blueberries or, God forbid, New Zealand lamb. But even a humble loaf of sourdough requires the equivalent of about 5.5 tablespoons of diesel fuel, and a supermarket tomato, which Smil describes as no more than "an appealingly shaped container of water" (apologies to Marcella Hazan), is the product of about six tablespoons of diesel. "How many vegans enjoying the salad," he writes, "are aware of its substantial fossil fuel pedigree?"
... nyt

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