Alex Epstein observes in his new book “Fossil Future” a paradox:  “… our culture has infinitely more interest in the fate of polar bear habitats than it has in 3 billion people without energy.”

As Epstein points out, anyone knowledgeable about the state of the world today must acknowledge that more human beings are flourishing than at any point in history. Fossil fuels are a major reason why.

But there’s a concerted effort on the part of American leadership to eliminate the use of fossil fuels despite three facts: fossil fuels constitute cost-effective sources of energy, cost-effective energy is essential to human flourishing and billions of people suffer and die for lack of cost-effective energy.

Epstein explores the use of fossil fuels: the benefits, side effects, negative effects on climate and improvement in climate mitigation. He also examines motivations to oppose fossil fuels.

To oppose something because of its side effects without considering its massive benefits isn’t a complete evaluation. If a doctor only told the patient about the negative effects of a particular type of treatment, the patient might walk out of the office. But if the doctor covered not only the side effects, but also the benefits of the treatment, the patient could make an informed decision.

The same logic applies to decisions about fossil fuel use. What are the side effects? What are the benefits?

Climate alarmists blame fossil fuels for rising levels of carbon dioxide, particles blocking sunlight, greenhouse gases, habitat degradation, increasing temperatures and natural disasters. These possible side effects are cited in the call to eliminate fossil fuels. There’s more to consider.

Does anyone question how much pollution will be added to the atmosphere when people are forced to return to burning wood and animal dung? Does anyone acknowledge the number of people who’d freeze to death or die of heat prostration without access to energy?

Look no further than Ethiopia and Somalia to name two countries without low-cost reliable energy to discover the high mortality rates caused by a lack of clean water, machines for food production, cooking fuels, sanitary conditions, medical equipment, transportation and economic well-being.

Technology and innovations have made clean fossil fuel production and use a reality. As Epstein said: “Human beings don’t like pollution. As we become more empowered and more capable, we tend to use our capabilities to reduce pollution. The side effects of fossil fuels have become smaller as the benefits of fossil fuels have become greater.”

How are energy policies made? Are decisions made to further human flourishing? To save the earth? To protect animals? To increase profits for select industries and bureaucrats? Energy is crucial in our world and policies matter. Our leaders need to get it right.

“Fossil Future” contains credible scientific research and data demonstrating that more fossil fuel use will make the world a far better place, where billions more people will enjoy opportunities to flourish and all of us will experience a higher environmental quality and less danger from climate change.