The Energy Sustainability Dilemma : Powering the Future in a Finite World

By David Hughes, originally published by Shale Shock Media

November 4, 2013

A fascinating talk by J. David Hughes, a research fellow at the Post Carbon Institute, given at Cornell Universtiy on 5-2-12, "Energy Sustainability Dilemma : Powering the Future in a Finite World". Most of the easy energy is gone. Now we are pursuing Deep Ocean Drilling, Tar Sands, Fracked Shale Gas, etc. Are we heading for a dead end? What about Wind and Solar? Can they make up the difference? This talk is somewhat technical, but essential if we are to understand our energy options as our society pushes for more energy The slides are here.

David Hughes

David Hughes is an earth scientist who has studied the energy resources of Canada for four decades, including 32 years with the Geological Survey of Canada as a scientist and research manager. He developed the National Coal Inventory to determine the availability and environmental constraints associated with Canada’s coal resources. As Team Leader for Unconventional Gas on the Canadian Gas Potential Committee, he coordinated the publication of a comprehensive... Read more.

Tags: Biomass, Coal, EROEI, Fracking, Natural Gas, Oil, Renewables, Shale gas, tight oil

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