|
|
Article: Energy independence: high oil prices have everyone talking about energy independence again. But a look at the numbers reveals the vaunted goal is an illusion. And conservation isn't the answer, either. The sooner we realize it, the sooner we can talk about real solutions to the energy crisis.(THINK AGAIN)
- Article from:
- Foreign Policy
- Article date:
- November 1, 2005
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2005 Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
"The West Can Stop Relying on Imported Oil"
Not in this lifetime. When people call for energy independence, they usually mean ending reliance on imported oil. Energy independence, we are told, would avoid dangerous disruptions in supply, ease entanglements in the Middle East, force corrupt petrostates to reform, and dry up terrorist funds. It may be a noble statement of ultimate intentions, but as a practical matter, energy independence is absurd. The amount of petroleum imported by the United States and other countries is so enormous that operating without it over the next several decades will be impossible for any advanced industrialized economy.
The ...