Save the planet — don’t help destroy it

Whenever I read something by Anthony Watts, I wonder if it’s what he actually thinks, or if it’s politically motivated hyperbole. The disingenuous nature of his recent letter to the E-R, again, causes me to suspect the latter. “Even a gradeschooler” understands that there are a number of ways to store energy generated during the day for use at night: batteries of various types, flywheels, pump-back hydroelectric and other types of gravity storage being examples.

Photothermal and photovoltaics coupled with geothermal, wind and various ocean- driven systems can power this planet. It also looks like we may finally have functioning fusion reactors within the next decade, as well ( yes, I know the old saying).

As for the non-functioning electric vehicle parked in Watts’ driveway, I don’t think that it really speaks of any problems inherent to electric vehicles. Also, I like internal combustion engine powered vehicles as much as any older middle- aged American male. But, if eschewing ICE powered vehicles will help ensure that future generations will have a habitable planet to live on, I’ll willingly do it. If Watts wonders how we will pay for the transition from fossil fuels to renewables, I suggest using the $20 billion per year of subsidy/corporate welfare that taxpayers give to already filthy rich fossil fuel industry. That $20 billion per year could be used to help save the planet rather than help destroy it.