The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels

The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels is a 2014 book by American energy theorist Alex Epstein.^[1] The book argues that, although sometimes labeled as "immoral," the use of fossil fuels dramatically improves the overall progress of humanity, and improves life expectancy and income.^[1] The book was a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller.^[2]

Overview

The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels outlines the benefits that the development of coal, oil, and natural gas have had on mankind, including improved health, increased lifespan, and expansion of material welfare.^[3][4] Epstein also notes, with data, that fossil fuel development has correlated with a cleaner environment, which is contrary to conventional wisdom.^[5]

The book also covers the topics of climate livability, the effects of carbon emissions, the nature of the environmental movement, and the role fossil fuels play in everyday life.^[6][7] Epstein writes that alternative energy sources like wind, solar, and biofuels are inferior to fossil fuels because they are more expensive and less reliable.^[8] He also examines trends in storm energy, global temperatures, and sea level changes and concludes that any changes are minor and do not justify alarmist predictions.^[9]

References