The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels

By: Alex Epstein

Narrated by: Alex Epstein

For decades environmentalists have told us that using fossil fuels is a self-destructive addiction that will destroy our planet. Yet by every measure of human well-being, from life expectancy to clean water to climate safety, life has been getting better and better. How can this be?

The explanation is that we usually hear only one side of the story. We're taught to think only of the negatives of fossil fuels, their risks and side effects, but not their positives - their unique ability to provide cheap, reliable energy for a world of seven billion people. And the moral significance of cheap, reliable energy is woefully underrated. Energy is our ability to improve every single aspect of life, whether economic or environmental.

If we look at the big picture of fossil fuels compared with the alternatives, the overall impact of using fossil fuels is to make the world a far better place. We are morally obligated to use more fossil fuels for the sake of our economy and our environment.

©2014 Alexander J. Epstein (P)2015 Tantor

Critic reviews

"If you want to see the power of fine logic, fine writing, and fine research, read Epstein's book." (Patrick J. Michaels, director, Center for the Study of Science, Cato Institute)

Well delivered and researched. Eye opening.

Alex has crafted a well delivered exploration and challenge to the perception of fossil fuels that currently occupies the America public's mind, media and education system. I am glad I read (listened to) this book. I feel enlightened to the energy use debate.

Great book

you hear so much from the other side great to hear a great case for the other side

Fantastic book

So simple yet so unconventional thinking makes this book a must for anyone who doesn't believe humans are the parasite of the world!

Important information for all

Alex Epstein delivers an excellent and important perspective backed by solid evidence. As someone in the petroleum industry, this kind of information is something that few really know. I only hope that this book will proliferate, and someday I won't have to hear the shrill and uninformed cries of environmentalists.

Compelling arguments

While I would not consider myself in any a liberal, I have been sufficiently indoctrinated by their energy narrative into shaping some aspects of my thoughts about energy in non-linear, non-rational ways. Epstein exposes these fallacies in great detail and goes to great length to prove their worthlessness.