Environment & Energy

LouisvilleDem

(303 posts)

12. I see where I got confused now

Mon Nov 11, 2013, 10:08 PM

Nov 2013

I was under the assumption that the phrase "the economy has become decoupled from energy" was shorthand for "economic growth has been decoupled from energy supply growth. The former is obviously false and cannot possibly ever be true. However, I believe the later can be true. For example, if I leave energy supply fixed but improve efficiency, I will have obtained economic growth without changing energy supply. I believe that is what the people you are arguing against really mean, but I don't know for sure.

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

12 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

35 years of global energy efficiency gains reflected in the world's GDP [View all] GliderGuider Nov 2013 OP

I think your formula is wrong LouisvilleDem Nov 2013 #1

If the economy was truly decoupled from energy GliderGuider Nov 2013 #2

I see where I got confused now LouisvilleDem Nov 2013 #12

Our current measure of "productivity" needs to have a wooden stake driven through the heart. hunter Nov 2013 #3

What do you think the measure of ..... oldhippie Nov 2013 #4

I'd measure economic "success" by the quality of life the least fortunate in a society experience. hunter Nov 2013 #5

But I wasn't talking about "success", but "productivity" ...... oldhippie Nov 2013 #8

Good food, safe shelter, education, and excellent medicine for every human being. hunter Nov 2013 #9

OK, I get that, but ..... oldhippie Nov 2013 #11

Confuses cause and effect. FBaggins Nov 2013 #6

"Growth" isn't always a good thing. hunter Nov 2013 #7

You can't separate cause and effect in this process. GliderGuider Nov 2013 #10