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The film “Energy Crossroads” by Christophe Fauchere was released in 2007. This film explores the global obsession with unsustainable fuels, mostly coal. Fossil fuels are an abundant and cheap source of energy but the world will one day run out.

The Industrial Revolution was a critical turning point in human history. Fossil fuels make up two thirds of electricity used worldwide. Today’s economy is based on fuel. Americans, 5% of the world’s population, consume 25% of the world’s energy. They feel it is a birth right to have cheap energy. American infrastructure is inefficient. A household uses as much energy in a day as is in one lightning bolt. House size has grown 50% in the last 30, and Americans heat and cool the entire home. In the last decade the efficiency of cars has decreased 10%, making them as efficient as the cars Henry Ford built 80 years ago.

The United States dependency on oil can be seen by the 1973 embargo on Arab oil. Five percent of oil was lost and an energy crisis began. In 1930 this 5% loss would not have mattered, but by 1973 it was a completely different story. Gas stations ran dry, airlines cut back on flights and people began carpooling to save on gas. After Hurricane Katrina there was a mini energy crisis due to damage done to oil wells in the gulf, this shows that America did not learn from the past.

It has been predicted that all the oil dependent countries will one day have to compete for what little oil is left. When this happens there will be “resource wars.” The United States must import 60% of its oil. In the last 150 years half of the earth’s crude oil has been extracted. It is in all of these countries best interest to help others industrialize so resources can be shared or alternative resources can be used. There must be a change in the economy to move forward. There are many alternative energy systems available. The film did a great job of giving these alternatives; from wind energy to solar design to hydrogen. Electric cars are a great alternative; most short commutes can be powered solely on the battery, though longer trips would require the use of gas.

It seems there is a “one trash can model” in place, there should be two or three. Trash should be sorted, not mixed. This will divert 90% away from landfills or incinerators. There is a “zero waste movement,” this may never be reached, but should always be the goal. There needs to be an energy transition without giving up all the luxuries of everyday life.

This film gives a lot of options and points of intervention. It gives specific examples of sustainable companies, such as the New Belgian Brewery. The subject of energy was discussed in detail, while still breaking down what each household could do to help.