Chapter 1

1. Christopher Flavin argues that in order to decrease the consumption of fossil fuels, governments need to offer incentives to companies that pursue alternative energy sources. On the other hand, Thomas Sowell contends that governmental interference in the energy market will make energy production of all kinds too expensive and create artificial shortages. In your opinion, what should government’s role be in fostering sound energy and environmental policies? Please explain your answer.

2. C.J. Campbell claims that cheap and accessible oil reserves will continue to decline, creating grave economic and political consequences as nations around the world experience energy scarcity and rising prices. Conversely, Sarah A. Emerson contends that technological innovation will continue to enable oil companies to discover more reserves and extract more oil from them. Do you think it is prudent to depend upon future advances in technology to solve...