When the world's energy markets are transformed, will the United states get left behind?

Question

When you talk about free markets and competition, procrastination is a killer.

What will it take for the US to regain a leadership role in the world?

http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/reinsider/story?id=51311

Answer 1

yes - we are in a bad spot right now - we simply are not producing as scientists and engineers at the frequency we used to - we are still in the leader role, but europe and asia will soon catch up and surpass us.

Answer 2

an excerpt from a post by Jack H

The most recent attempt to imply there was an overwhelming scientific "consensus" in favor of man-made global warming fears came in December 2007 during the UN climate conference in Bali. A letter signed by only 215 scientists urged the UN to mandate deep cuts in carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. But absent from the letter were the signatures of these alleged "thousands" of scientists. (See AP article: - LINK )

UN IPCC chairman Rajendra Pachauri urged the world at the December 2007 UN climate conference in Bali, Indonesia to "Please listen to the voice of science."

The science has continued to grow loud and clear in 2007. In addition to the growing number of scientists expressing skepticism, an abundance of recent peer-reviewed studies have cast considerable doubt about man-made global warming fears. A November 3, 2007 peer-reviewed study found that "solar changes significantly alter climate." (LINK) A December 2007 peer-reviewed study recalculated and halved the global average surface temperature trend between 1980 - 2002. (LINK) Another new study found the Medieval Warm Period "0.3C warmer than 20th century" (LINK)

A peer-reviewed study by a team of scientists found that "warming is naturally caused and shows no human influence." (LINK) - Another November 2007 peer-reviewed study in the journal Physical Geography found "Long-term climate change is driven by solar insolation changes." (LINK ) These recent studies were in addition to the abundance of peer-reviewed studies earlier in 2007. - See "New Peer-Reviewed Scientific Studies Chill Global Warming Fears" (LINK )

With this new report of profiling 400 skeptical scientists, the world can finally hear the voices of the "silent majority" of scientists."

So there you have it.

Answer 3

It's difficult to say.  At this point it appears to be the case; however, our current presidential candidates have all pledged to make global warming and green energy top priorities once they take over for Bush.  I think we'll be a bit behind several other nations, but perhaps not too far behind.

China actually isn't doing too badly.  As I recall, they're second in the world in solar panel production, behind Japan.  USA is fourth.  Certainly they need to stop building coal power plants, but at least they're aware of the problem and are taking some steps to remedy it.

Pantagruel took my point - it's quite similar to the hybrid situation.  The US automakers had a great opportunity to take the lead in this area during the Clinton years, and instead they just paid lip service to the technology and watched the Japanese auto companies develop a 7-year head start.  Now the US auto companies are forced to play catch-up.  This scenario could very easily repeat itself when it comes to alternative energy production.

Answer 4

We've already been left behind! Look at how slow American auto makers were to develop hybrid cars!

Answer 5

explain how you think the rest of the world is going to convert to other energy sources while we dont?  By far the dumbest thing I have ever heard.  We are the leaders in technology, and we cant even create methods that make as much electricity as coal, so how will the rest of the world do it?  Is china going to decide to stop building a new coal plant every week?  No.  Is India going to start using solar panels?  No.  

So tell me, who is leading the energy market.  Why do you think other countries are going to stop using fossil fuels, they are cheap and efficient, and a majority of the rest of the world cant afford a couple kilowatts from some stupid solar panels.

Answer 6

The USA will always play a huge part in the World economy. Until we destroy ourselves, No One can defeat us

Answer 7

hmmm...gas, coal, natural gas, nuclear are all still very profitable.  Solar, wind, geothermal, hydrogen, ethanol all still need government subsidies.  Do you know what a free market is??  

If the world energy market is being transformed into a "managed" market...I HOPE the US gets left behind for all of our sakes!

Answer 8

You call Crabby optimistic?  LOL.  Leftists don't understand the economy.  The just consistently think they know way more than they do.  You don't fall behind by letting the markets dictate the best strategy.  You fall behind by listening to pin heads pretending they know better than millions of people continuously making independent decisions.  Mandating particular green technology will have a cost.  Only someone that doesn't understand basic economics would suggest otherwise.  We will use other sources of energy when they become competitive.  So will most of the rest of the world.   I for one would like to see more domestic production so that we don't keep putting money in the hands of our enemies but Leftists have prevented most of the additional domestic oil drilling and production of nuclear facilities.  Some like the wind bag Ted Kennedy prevented wind farms.

Answer 9

the us has already been left behind. it has not only failed to lead but it has also attempted to slow global progress by insisting on voluntary emissions cuts.

Answer 10

Well, your analysis of the transforation in energy production--and its economic benefits--is correct. Congrats on that. Far too many people arestill buying into the oli/coal industry propaganda that "going green" is a cost tha twill hurt the economy. The truth is jsut as you say: its an investment that will pay off--in hard cold cash and economic growth, as well as benefitting the environment.

But the US is NOT behind on this . Our current administration (BushCo) is, of course--and are still doing all they can to block progress.  But take another look.  The most advanced technologies are here--being developed in the United States.  We aren't the only ones of course--but we are way ahead on that front.  And alternative enrgy--whether solar, wind, geothermal, etc. are all strong growth industries in the US. In Silicon Vallly alone, $3.5 Billion in new capital was invested last year  in alternative energy.

That's not to say that we don't have problems on this front.  Cheifly, they boil down to special interests--with the collusion of the "neoconservatives" continues to try to keep conpeting technologies off the market to protect special interests. That, however, is about to change. The Democrats are not guiltless on this issue--but as a group, they aren't bought and paid for the way the GOP is.

And once these new technologies do establish a firm foothold in the ir markets, they will soon outstrip the outdated and inefficient fossil fuel systems we now rely on.

Personally, I think tha twithin 5-10 years, its not going to be a mamatter of the US trying to catch up--its going to be the rest of the world trying to catch up with us.