The puzzle we have to solve is very complex. There will be more than one solution. To put our task into sharp focus let us state the problem this way: How can we best preserve as much of our infrastructure as possible, stop burning fossil fuels, and replace fossil fuels by only consuming renewable and alternative energies? Most importantly, how can we stimulate and maintain economic growth concurrently?

One such practical and actionable solution is based on the complete cessation of all fossil fuel burning. There is absolutely no way that we can prevent carbon dioxide accumulation in the atmosphere by sequestering carbon dioxide for more than a few decades. Therefore, we will have to convert all our energy sources entirely to the exclusive use of solar energy, wind energy, marine energy, geothermal energy, and nuclear energy.

Fortunately, there is enough solar energy to last us forever. Nuclear fission energy will last for centuries. Geothermal energy resources are huge but will be expensive to exploit in most locations.

Continuing shortsightedness and greed are still keeping us on the march into certain disaster. This is tragic and unacceptable. We must force our governments to accept change. New technologies are available that can give us the means and the tools to not only avoid disaster but make this world a better place to live in. All we have to do is to act with foresight. Most importantly, we must subordinate the interests of the few to the wellbeing of the many. What must we do?

We must continue to use the existing inventory of energy consuming machinery and appliances. We must preserve our marvelous transportation systems that deliver unerringly the goods, foods, and all necessities for us to live and for everybody to pursue business and pleasure. We must keep the electric transmission nets and grids that cover the world. We must keep the distribution systems that deliver motor fuels to neighborhoods and to the farthest corners of the world. We must keep the power plants, our manufacturing plants, and the refineries that convert crude energy into motor fuels. We must save our buildings and our homes.

We must concentrate our intellectual efforts and our financial resources on the development of a selected, few technologies. It appears entirely feasible to develop and demonstrate these few key technologies in less than two decades. Above all, we must act very, very soon or we will leave to future generations a very hot and barren world.

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