The Great Deception: Technology and Renewables Unmasked
Written on
Chapter 1: Unveiling the Myths
The modern narrative surrounding renewable energy is fundamentally flawed. As Louis-Ferdinand Celine aptly stated, "Everything you touched was phony... The mania for telling lies and believing them is as contagious as the itch."
This sentiment resonates strongly in the current discussions about renewable energy and artificial intelligence. The truth is stark: renewable energy is often presented as a grand solution, yet it is riddled with deception.
In a recent interview, Al Gore—often criticized for his misleading claims—extolled the supposed advancements in renewable energy. However, he conveniently omitted the staggering investments in fossil fuels required to initiate a significant transition. The interviewer praised Gore as if he were the sole voice warning us about climate change, ignoring the myriad of other experts and activists.
Following his loss in the 2000 presidential election, Gore gained prominence with his book and documentary, An Inconvenient Truth. Now worth approximately 300 million dollars, his financial interests may influence his continued advocacy for policies that support this narrative. He hailed the Inflation Reduction Act as "one of the largest and most effective pieces of climate legislation in history," while failing to acknowledge President Joe Biden's role in perpetuating fossil fuel leases and environmental degradation.
Gore's position is that of a compliant spokesperson, adhering strictly to the established narrative. Any deviation from this script could lead to severe repercussions, demonstrating the systemic nature of this deception.
The rhetoric surrounding renewable energy often masks the environmental destruction that accompanies it. The enthusiasm for climate action is undermined by the approval of projects that are fundamentally detrimental to the planet.
Furthermore, the narrative around artificial intelligence is equally misleading. Gore repeatedly suggested that we need to "give it time" for AI to address climate challenges. Yet, the energy costs associated with training advanced AI models are staggering. For instance, the training process for MegatronLM consumed 27,648 kilowatt hours—twice the annual energy consumption of an average household. When considering the fossil fuel required to manufacture the necessary technology, the supposed benefits become questionable.
Additionally, the waste produced by renewable technologies is alarming. Wind energy alone generates thousands of tons of waste annually, projected to escalate into millions by 2040. The mining and processing of materials like lithium and copper also contribute to significant carbon emissions and habitat destruction.
The public's willingness to accept these narratives is troubling. People across the political spectrum—right, left, and everything in between—fall prey to these fabrications. For a deeper understanding of this phenomenon, Caitlin Johnstone's insights are invaluable.
The incessant chatter of those perpetuating these lies will persist until the truth is revealed. Unfortunately, this reckoning may only come when individuals face the harsh realities of devastating environmental events that shatter any illusions about technology or renewable energy as saviors.
Chapter 2: The Illusions of Progress
Section 1.1: The Financial Interests Behind the Narrative
In this section, we will explore the financial motivations that drive misleading narratives in renewable energy advocacy.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Role of Influential Figures
Section 1.2: The Environmental Impact of Renewables
Here, we will analyze the environmental consequences of renewable energy projects and the hidden costs associated with them.