This article makes the Malthusian error of assuming that a quantity will continue to grow along a simple exponential, when in fact real living systems always level off through interaction with others.
Using the same simplistic, pseudo-scientific arguments, one can easily "prove" that Mankind is already extinct. Very silly - and discredits the idea of resource conservation when the kids realize that the argument is bogus. Glad I didn't have this guy for a teacher. Marc de Piolenc Message: 4 Date: Tue, 5 Jun 2001 08:29:54 +1200 From: "David Reid" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: We don't need no stinking efficiency!!!! (?) Todd, A good article and one everyone on this group should read. I recently said it is estimated that if we keep finding oil at the same rate it is estimated that we have a 70 year supply but that I believe we could halve that with the increasing number of vehicles and countries like China coming on stream. While I have never sat down and done the maths the examples below show that I may not be too far off the mark. B.r., David ----- Original Message ----- From: Appal Energy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <biofuel@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 05, 2001 2:00 AM Subject: [biofuel] We don't need no stinking efficiency!!!! (?) > New York Times, OP-ED, June 4, 2001 > http://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/04/opinion/04NERI.html > > The Mirage of a Growing Fuel Supply > By EVAR D. NERING > > COTTSDALE, Ariz. - When I discussed the exponential function in the > first-semester calculus classes that I taught, I invariably used consumption > of a nonrenewable natural resource as an example. Since we are now engaged > in a national debate about energy policy, it may be useful to talk about the > mathematics involved in making a rational decision about resource use. Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Please do NOT send "unsubscribe" messages to the list address. To unsubscribe, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/