Climate Quote by Bjorn Lomborg
““The jarring fact is that humanity just finished spending two centuries GETTING RID OF renewable energy and replacing it with fossil fuels. When everyone was poor, the whole world cooked and kept warm using polluting renewable energy sources like wood and dung...In the poor world, replacing fossil fuels with new renewable energy sources like wind and solar power is hard because most people desperately want MUCH MORE power at lower cost, not fickle power at high cost.” -pp. 104-5””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Skeptical Environmentalist, Bjorn Lomborg, 2001
The quote argues that humanity has shifted from traditional renewable sources to fossil fuels, and now faces challenges transitioning back to modern renewables due to cost and reliability concerns.
In simple terms: We moved from old renewables to fossil fuels; now modern renewables are costly and unreliable.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the trade‑offs in energy policy and seek balanced solutions.
Themes
energy transition
economics
technology
equity
Mood
concerned
analytical
Type
policy
economic
environmental
When to use this quote
- government energy planning
- developing country electrification
- investment decisions
- public opinion
- infrastructure upgrades
Key Concepts
sustainability
energy policy
cost‑benefit analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we make clean energy both cheap and dependable?
- What policies can accelerate the shift without harming the poor?
A Different Perspective
Renewables can become affordable and reliable with innovation and supportive policy.
