The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels

By: Alex Epstein

Narrated by: Alex Epstein

Length: 6 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

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)

Alex Epstein

Is the man Trump should have appointed over the EPA. He could end all of the wasted money on campaigning Al Gore's global warming, if he ever ran for a political office, I wouldn't hesitate to vote for him! Very intelligent man.

Well reasoned, contrarian view makes you think.

Excellent book and performance. The author is able to pull back with a wide, long term, big picture view to state and defend the case for fossil fuels and the critical importance of the energy they have provided over the past 100-200+ years. Everyone should read this book and at least calmly question the worldview espoused by politicians and the media.

Changed my mind on the subject

I was required to read this book by my boss when I started my new job. I had never heard of the moral side of the fossil fuel debate, and this very well written and told book lays an amazing case which had gotten me to think more deeply about the debate from a human perspective. Highly recommended to anyone as energy will only be more important in the future.

A very compelling case, indeed!

Readers of this book should know that I’m an engineer in the aerospace industry who has always been a huge proponent of solar power and quote “green” technologies. I certainly used to subscribe to the idea that climate change as a result of fossil fuel usage is the greatest engineering challenge facing our generation and facing that challenge with “green tech” is the only solution. However, after listening to this book, I realized that my belief was a bit misguided. Indeed it is a good mental exercise to ponder how a city like Los Angeles or London resolved their smog issues, despite continued usage of coal and other fossil fuels. With this book and a little thought, one can see how much fossil fuel industry has contributed substantially to making itself more sustainable while at the same time offering the globe an opportunity at abundant & on demand energy. To aim at completely abandoning this proven resource without a reasonable alternative in a short amount of time would indeed be questionable. I enjoyed how easy it was to digest this information even though it was in opposition to my previous opinions. This is a very compelling case and a worthwhile read for anyone, even those who are more staunchly opposed to fossil fuel usage than myself. Enjoy!

A great discussion that is seldom heard

Finally a book with an open discussion explaining the benefits of fossil fuels. The liberal media and political elites have promoted a culture that will be the death of many innocent people and misery for millions of others .

This book helps to unmask the falsehoods in the anti-fossil fuel arguments and educates the reader so he is prepared to intelligently discuss a topic vital to the future of mankind

Learn from it and share the knowledge

Thank goodness for fossil fuels!

Very informative and compelling. Energy brings freedom, improved health and quality of life, and should be available to all humans, plentifully.

Our energy policies should be centered on human values and the improvement of human life.

Awakening.

Live without all technology derived and dependent upon fossil fuels for one month, then read this book.

Calm reasoned case

A well presented reasoned case that is rarely heard. Emotions and unsourced or unsupported “facts”are often thrown around in most energy discussions. This book adds some much needed alternative information to the discussion.

Get this book today

I can't get enough of Alex's thought, really good information. You should have this book if you like the modern world

Excellent & Informative Listen

A succinct, yet detailed examination of the moral case for fossil fuel usage. Epstein narrates very well and keeps the listener engaged throughout. I may even purchase the physical book for a second read.