Toward histories of saving energy: Erich Walter Zimmermann and the struggle against “one-sided materialistic determinism”
Turnbull, Thomas
Toward histories of saving energy: Erich Walter Zimmermann and the struggle against “one-sided materialistic determinism” - 2020.
44
While energy use has appeared historically consequent for most of human history, it now seems energy non-use may determine our future. It is clear that the worst effects of climate change can only be averted if vast quantities of fossil fuels go unburnt. Accordingly, this paper argues historians of energy should pay attention to the rich histories of past attempts to conserve, save, constrain, and use energy with greater efficiency. To make this argument, the paper revisits the life and work of resource economist Erich Zimmermann, and extends his thinking beyond his lifetime to address more recent concerns. In historicising past energy saving initiatives, the hope is we may find new means to achieve reductions in harmful energy use.
Toward histories of saving energy: Erich Walter Zimmermann and the struggle against “one-sided materialistic determinism” - 2020.
44
While energy use has appeared historically consequent for most of human history, it now seems energy non-use may determine our future. It is clear that the worst effects of climate change can only be averted if vast quantities of fossil fuels go unburnt. Accordingly, this paper argues historians of energy should pay attention to the rich histories of past attempts to conserve, save, constrain, and use energy with greater efficiency. To make this argument, the paper revisits the life and work of resource economist Erich Zimmermann, and extends his thinking beyond his lifetime to address more recent concerns. In historicising past energy saving initiatives, the hope is we may find new means to achieve reductions in harmful energy use.
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