Fossil fuels negatively impact the environment during all 3 phases from extraction to transport to final use. Even if most of the world’s leading scientists are wrong and human activity is not a driving force in a changing climate, there is much to be gained and little to lose living with a cleaner energy future.
Imagine two scientists in conflict.
Scientist A shows human activity and especially the fossil fuel energy economy impacts climate negatively. Suggests a change to a renewable energy economy.
Scientist B claims Scientist A is wrong and he can prove it. Says human activity is inconsequential and change to a renewable energy economy is unnecessary and costly.
What’s that mean?
If Scientists A’s data is correct, but ignored in favor of Scientist B’s, the business as usual model continues:
Job loss in the fossil fuel industry is averted along with costs of converting to the new economy. Research and a change to clean energy is slowed. Things remain basically the same except possibly for the impacts from climate change.
Harvesting oil, coal and gas continue with leaks, spills, mountain-top removal and hazardous waste contaminating the environment. Probability of earthquakes increases.
Transport of oil, coal and gas continues with leaks, spills, explosions and train wrecks contaminating soil, water and air.
Using/burning oil, coal and gas continues with leaks, spills, explosions and air quality degradation increasing asthma and other disorders. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere increase.
If Scientist B’s data is correct, but ignored in favor of Scientist A a transition to cleaner energy speeds forward. Job losses in old energy sectors are balanced by research and job growth in the new energy economy. There is no free lunch - solar, wind and other renewable energy sources still have consequences to the environment, but they are minor in comparison to fossil fuels long checkered history. A healthier and cleaner environment cuts medical costs.
I repeat: Even if most of the world’s leading scientist are wrong and human activity is not a driving force in a changing climate, there is much to be gained and little to lose living with a cleaner energy future.