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Wood was the main source of energy in the world until the…

“Wood was the main source of energy in the world until the eighteen-fifties, and it still could be. Roughly a tenth of the annual growth of all the trees on earth could yield alcohol enough to run everything that now uses coal and petroleum—every airplane, every industry, every automobile.” quote by John McPhee
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““Wood was the main source of energy in the world until the eighteen-fifties, and it still could be. Roughly a tenth of the annual growth of all the trees on earth could yield alcohol enough to run everything that now uses coal and petroleum—every airplane, every industry, every automobile.””

John McPhee

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Biomass could replace fossil fuels, but adoption hinges on technology, policy, and social will.

In simple terms: Trees could power modern life.

Key Takeaway

Invest in sustainable bioenergy.

Themes

energy environment technology

Mood

analytical concerned

Type

educational informative

When to use this quote

  • rural development
  • energy policy
  • industrial innovation
  • transportation planning

Key Concepts

renewable resources biofuel economics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What incentives could accelerate biofuel adoption?
  • How to mitigate land use conflicts?
A Different Perspective

Economic and ecological impacts must be balanced.

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