Short Synopsis
Could everything we know about fossil fuels be wrong? Alex Epstein explains why we need fossil fuels.

Full Synopsis
For decades, environmentalists have told us that using fossil fuels is a self-destructive addiction that will destroy our planet. Yet by every measure of human well-being, from life expectancy to clean water to climate safety, life has been getting better and better. How can this be?

The explanation is that we usually hear only one side of the story. We're taught to think only of the negatives of fossil fuels, their risks and side effects, but not their positives—their unique ability to provide cheap, reliable energy for a world of seven billion people. And the moral significance of cheap, reliable energy is woefully underrated. Energy is our ability to improve every single aspect of life, whether economic or environmental.

If we look at the big picture of fossil fuels compared with the alternatives, the overall impact of using fossil fuels is to make the world a far better place. We are morally obligated to use more fossil fuels for the sake of our economy and our environment.

"If you want to see the power of fine logic, fine writing, and fine research, read Epstein's book." ---Patrick J. Michaels, director, Center for the Study of Science, Cato Institute

"Alex Epstein has written an eloquent and powerful argument for using fossil fuels on moral grounds alone. A remarkable book." ---Matt Ridley, author of The Rational Optimist