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Comment by samcday | Hacker News Reader

I only have a shallow understanding of the economic forces at play in the energy market. But it seems to be that we're just not going to be able to disrupt the fossil fuel industries before it's too late.

Is there someone who's knowledgeable on this subject that can cheer me up with some good data suggesting maybe we can turn this ship around in time? Or should I just start hoping that we miraculously nail fusion in the next 5 years and suddenly find we have absolutely no need for oil / coal / gas?

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Global solar installation doubling every <3 years ⇨ we will be at 95% solar in less than 20 years:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Growth_of_photovoltaics

No miracle needed, no politics needed.

> At that rate we will be at 95% solar in less than 20 years

What’s the growth rate for energy storage technology that can keep the lights on when it’s cloudy or night time?

seems to be similar(?):

https://www.futuretimeline.net/blog/images/1509.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-47A2m_usNOs/Tg7vhWBqroI/AAAAAAAAFB...

That’s why government intervention is needed. We can disrupt these industries with the stroke of a pen. No matter how much it hurts, it’ll hurt more to let them continue to spew greenhouse gasses and other pollutants into the air.

This reduces into the most insane game of chicken ever played.

Everyone loses (in every dimension) if no one switches off, but the first country to switch off will absolutely lose (economically).

I’d rather just lose economically than destroy our entire society, wouldn’t you?

If one country destroys their economy and no one else follows, climate change due to increased carbon levels still happens.

Perfect! After you..

Sure thing. Put it on the ballot and I’ll vote for it.

We can turn this ship out by educating our peers. I have convinced countless people about reconsider their view on energy. Keep doing it and we will succeed.

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