Do We Need an Energy Diet? – Why ‘More is Always Better’ is a Myth
We need more energy!…Or do we?
Energy is undeniably a driving force behind our modern standard of living. From refrigerators that keep our food fresh to cars that transport us quickly, and air conditioning that regulates our comfort, our reliance on energy continues to grow. However, the notion that more energy automatically equates to a better life is flawed, and it’s worth exploring why.
I was watching a video on YouTube today discussing this very thing. The person in the video claimed “Everyone needs more energy!” and went on to claim that while they do agree that we need to get rid of fossil fuels, we need to greatly ramp up our renewable energy capacity so we can keep increasing everyone’s standards of living.
“Everyone.”
That’s where she lost me.
Consider the wealthiest individuals of our time, like Bill Gates or Elon Musk. Will having more energy make their standard of living better? Probably not.
More energy does not always equal better life.
Granted, in certain parts of the world, additional energy access can be truly transformative. A significant percentage of the global population still lacks essentials like air conditioning, clean water, and reliable lighting. For them, greater energy consumption would change their lives.
However, for many of us fortunate enough to live in comfortable homes with an abundance of gadgets, the equation becomes different. Beyond the basic necessities of a good diet, temperature control, and internet access, the returns on increased energy consumption diminish rapidly. Here lies the crux of the matter—how much energy is truly necessary for a high standard of living?
Let’s illustrate this with a simple scenario. Imagine a family in Africa without access to electricity. Their home is lit by burning bits of whatever they find (often trash, like plastic that emit toxic chemicals when burned), and they lack opportunities for studying and personal development after sunset. Now, envision providing them with basic lighting through a small solar panel and a couple of LEDs. The impact is profound – studies show that gaining lighting leads to healthier families (not burning those tires for lighting anymore!) and more educated families (they can keep studying/reading after dark!). Huge gains for something as small as a couple of LEDs, a solar panel, and a battery.
Now, contrast that with adding extra energy consumption to a household like mine. What would be the meaningful additions? A smart coffee maker, an electric exercise bike, or a hot tub in the backyard? As someone who already enjoys a comfortable life, these extras do not enhance my standard of living—they’re just unnecessary indulgences.
To put it simply, the family in Southeast Asia is getting a nutritious meal from their extra energy consumption, while I’m indulging in a third dessert. In first-world countries like the USA, we’ve exceeded the threshold of what’s required for a basic healthy and happy lifestyle. Just as we overeat, consume excessive media, or accumulate unnecessary possessions, we’ve fallen into the trap of overconsumption when it comes to energy.
Energy diet time?
While it may be true that globally we need more energy to lift people out of poverty, for middle-class and above here in the US and other first-world countries, it’s time for an energy diet. Let’s reassess our energy consumption and strive for a more balanced approach.
By reducing our energy consumption, stopping trying to make our lives better through more convenience and techno-gadgets, and instead accepting that we have enough convenience in our lives, we should instead turn towards doing what makes our lives actually better: forming better relationships with our friends and family, volunteering or doing other activities to help others, and learning to be more independent and less reliant on capitalism to survive. I think that we will find that doing these things will not just preserve our planet’s resources while maintaining a high standard of living, but will also lead to a life that is more satisfying, fulfilling, happy, and healthy.
Thanks for reading!
