The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels

By: Alex Epstein

Narrated by: Alex Epstein

Length: 6 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

For decades environmentalists have told us that using fossil fuels is a self-destructive addiction that will destroy our planet. Yet by every measure of human well-being, from life expectancy to clean water to climate safety, life has been getting better and better. How can this be?

The explanation is that we usually hear only one side of the story. We're taught to think only of the negatives of fossil fuels, their risks and side effects, but not their positives - their unique ability to provide cheap, reliable energy for a world of seven billion people. And the moral significance of cheap, reliable energy is woefully underrated. Energy is our ability to improve every single aspect of life, whether economic or environmental.

If we look at the big picture of fossil fuels compared with the alternatives, the overall impact of using fossil fuels is to make the world a far better place. We are morally obligated to use more fossil fuels for the sake of our economy and our environment.

©2014 Alexander J. Epstein (P)2015 Tantor

Critic reviews

"If you want to see the power of fine logic, fine writing, and fine research, read Epstein's book." (Patrick J. Michaels, director, Center for the Study of Science, Cato Institute)

Well delivered and researched. Eye opening.

Alex has crafted a well delivered exploration and challenge to the perception of fossil fuels that currently occupies the America public's mind, media and education system. I am glad I read (listened to) this book. I feel enlightened to the energy use debate.

Great book

you hear so much from the other side great to hear a great case for the other side

Fantastic book

So simple yet so unconventional thinking makes this book a must for anyone who doesn't believe humans are the parasite of the world!

Important information for all

Alex Epstein delivers an excellent and important perspective backed by solid evidence. As someone in the petroleum industry, this kind of information is something that few really know. I only hope that this book will proliferate, and someday I won't have to hear the shrill and uninformed cries of environmentalists.

Compelling arguments

While I would not consider myself in any a liberal, I have been sufficiently indoctrinated by their energy narrative into shaping some aspects of my thoughts about energy in non-linear, non-rational ways. Epstein exposes these fallacies in great detail and goes to great length to prove their worthlessness.

Thought Provoking

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

I appreciated the contrarian take on this issue. It is hard to argue that life in the modern world is much better than in pre-industrial times directly as a result of all of the innovations which have resulted from cheap, plentiful and reliable energy.

Any additional comments?

I had never thought about how we live longer, are healthier and have a cleaner environment in many ways (think of the streets of any major city or the Thames river as examples) than before the widespread use of fossil fuels. It is always good to have a logic based counter argument to conventional wisdom.

eye opener

unexpected but reasonable arguments for fossil fuels. agrees with God's command to subdue the earth.

If you read only one book for 2019, make this it.

This is one of the most important books of our time.

Alex Epstein absolutely and rigorously destroys the status quo view about "Climate Change," including the 97% consensus number and other myths. He skewers their concerns by exploring humankind before the use of coal, petroleum, and natural gas products. The super majority of us have no context to understand that pollution filled the air both inside and outside homes just so humans could survive.

Alex makes an amazing humanist argument that the cheapest, most efficient way to provide for our species, as well as protecting the "environment" is by using the most abundant energy available to us: Coal, petroleum, and natural gas.

I implore anyone who feels compelled by the "climate alarmists" or the "greenies" to find a better alternative for our energy needs to read this. Especially if you've never been to a third world country, nor ever been through a power outage of longer than 24 hours.

Don't miss this book

What did you like best about this story?

The ideas conveyed in this book need to be exposed to many, many more people. It provides an opportunity to think clearly about this critical juncture in human history and the path we are on. We can avoid doing tremendous harm to humanity. Read this book!

Concise, clear, and compelling

This argument for bettering life with the power of fossil fuels is a must read