The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels

The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels

Cover of the first edition
Author	Alex Epstein
Country	United States
Language	English
Subject	Fossil fuels
Publisher	Portfolio Hardcover
Publication date	November 13, 2014
Media type	Print
Pages	256 pages
ISBN	978-1591847441
OCLC	892514394

The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels is a 2014 book by American energy theorist Alex Epstein,^[1] in which the author 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]

Reception

The book received mostly positive reviews, published by The Wall Street Journal,^[1] National Review,^[10] Reason,^[11] Fox News,^[12] Barron's,^[13] The Washington Free Beacon,^[14] The Morning Sun,^[15] the Independent Institute,^[16] The Heartland Institute,^[17][18] and several blogs.^{[19][20][21][22][23]} Most of these reviews praise Epstein for his ability to approach the issues of climate change and fossil fuels from a logical perspective amid widespread misinformation on the issues.^[17]

Critical reviews can be found in Inside Higher Ed,^[24] The Huffington Post,^[25] The Guardian,^[26] and Our World, a publication of the United Nations University.^[27] Most of these reviews allege that Epstein has a close association with conservative advocacy groups and receives funding from the Koch brothers. They also claim that Epstein's pro-carbon opinions run counter to the prevailing scientific conclusion that the rise of greenhouse gasses is catastrophic rather than a net good for the future of the globe.^[26]

In 2014, Epstein was interviewed by Peter Thiel at an event hosted by the energy startup Tachyus. Thiel also provided a blurb for the book.^[28]

In December 2014, political commentator John McLaughlin called Epstein "most original thinker of the year" for his book during McLaughlin's yearly The McLaughlin Group roundup.^[29]

References