David's Vision
Everyone in the world deserves access to abundant, affordable, reliable energy that is secure and sustainable. Energy makes us comfortable in the heat and cold, allows us to travel and work, and lets us plug into ideas and opportunities. It is fundamental to living a good life. We should use it efficiently and minimize waste, but we cannot do without it.
Sadly, the energy system that enabled progress in the 20th century, which rested on the unabated combustion of fossil fuels, is not sustainable in this one. Its environmental and social costs are simply too high. Most notably, it is the source of about 75 percent of the emissions that are driving catastrophic storms, wildfires, and other symptoms of global climate change.
The challenge facing human civilization, then, is to enable all those who desire to live at a high standard to have the quantity and quality of energy they need to do so, while simultaneously and dramatically reducing the harm that would cause. It is an extremely tough challenge. Unabated fossil fuels still provide about 80 percent of global primary energy. Many of the technologies and systems the world needs to replace them are too expensive, perform too poorly, or are simply unavailable right now.
"The challenge facing human civilization is to enable all those who desire to live at a high standard to have the quantity and quality of energy they need to do so, while simultaneously and dramatically reducing the harm that would cause."
These facts compel the conclusion that technological innovation should play a central part in any strategy that drives toward net-zero emissions. All sectors and, indeed all citizens, have important roles to play in these strategies, but government is particularly important. Neither markets nor social norms operating as they do now will drive the innovations that the world needs. But if public policy provides the right incentives, rules, and support, it will unleash these powerful forces.
The United States has a particularly important role to play in driving clean energy and climate-tech innovation. It is obligated to do so by its status as the largest source of cumulative global greenhouse gas emissions. It has the opportunity to do so by virtue of its world-leading innovation capabilities. No country invests more in basic science or generates more high-ceiling technology-based companies. Public policy can and should orient these extraordinary capabilities to meet the energy and climate challenge.
The Federal government need not and should not act alone. States and communities across the country have vital roles to play. The private sector and philanthropy can play catalytic roles in driving policy outcomes, while taking important steps on their own. U.S. allies and partners abroad, too, should mobilize their own capabilities and work collaboratively to advance energy and climate-tech innovation. In parallel with cooperation, the power of international competition, notably with China, might also be harnessed toward constructive outcomes.
I envision a world in which the global energy system is transformed thanks in large part to U.S. leadership. That transformation will limit and ultimately reduce the damage caused by climate change, while raising living standards and opening opportunities everywhere.