The Moral Case for Renewable Energy with Andrew Dessler - WBD523

Andrew Dessler is a Professor of Atmospheric Sciences at Texas
A&M University. In this interview, we discuss the settled
science of climate change, the polarisation of the climate change
debate, our need for more energy, and the market inevitability of
wind and solar-dominated grids.


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In April, WBD interviewed Alex Epstein who stated humans need
access to more low-cost energy. Energy enables humans to survive
in otherwise inhospitable climates but also flourish. Epstein
stated that energy at the moment is dominated by fossil fuels,
which are very hard to replace. Further, he asserts claims of
climate change catastrophe are being overstated.


Andrew Dessler, who has previously publicly debated Alex Epstein,
wanted an opportunity to rebut some of Alex Epstein’s claims.
Dessler agrees that humans need access to more energy;
underinvestment over previous decades has contributed to the
current energy crisis. But, humans also need to be concerned
about the existential risks of increasing carbon emissions.


There is widespread consensus amongst climate scientists that the
science of climate change is correct, and the forecasts have been
proven to be reliable. The risks are real and significant. There
is a fear that attempts to refute the science feed the culture
wars, where climate change views are predetermined by political
allegiance.


Dessler also claims that refuting science is a cynical tactic to
avoid moving the debate onto the policy. His rationale is that
the case for transitioning to renewables isn’t just predicated on
reducing carbon emissions, there is also a compelling economic
case: it is an energy source with a marginal cost of zero. A
strong supply market for solar and wind is powerful validation
for this.


That’s not to say 100% of our energy needs can be derived from
wind and solar. Those advocating for increased use of renewable
energy are fully aware of the need for reliable dispatchable
power from other energy sources. But there is a strong conviction
that renewable energy can become a dominant provider for our
energy needs of today and tomorrow.