Hi, Frank - "I question if each step going forward is able to stand on the accomplishments before it."
Yup. That's it, in a nutshell. And when it doesn't, what happens?
This may be of interest...
Up here, BC Hydro has been in the habit of shipping power south in the summer, and buying it on the spot market. In the winter and spring, the hydro power is replenished by the melting of the snow pack, and there is enough to satisfy our needs.
But, now what happens? We've had little snow this winter. Will there be enough for us to help satisfy California's needs next summer? What if we with our abundant hydro supplies, are forced on to the spot market (which has skyrocketed because of California's needs) next summer? What will happen to our energy prices?
One (and only one) of the dangers inherent in "power ghettos" is that the damage they cause is not limited to their own geographic confines. The ripple effect, in the end, is systemic.
A continental energy policy would help. The existence of more nuclear power would help. These are, of course, incremental and temporary solutions, that would not only satisfy need, but re-introduce its equally important counterpart, stability.
The coming changes will fundamentally alter the pattern of human existence. Concepts such as 'growth' are in for a big re-write. |
