Now for the real world

One of my young relations recently had to do this school project: research solar energy and write a persuasive piece supporting it use.

I've got nothing against solar energy: it might be good base load one day; but until then?

I will write to the school to suggest that in the interests of even handedness, and critical thinking, the children be asked to do the following:

• Research clean coal as a future energy source that is cheap and plentiful to support energy provision to the poor; write a persuasive piece supporting it.

• Research packaged nuclear reactors as a safe, cheap and plentiful form of energy to meet the world's growing needs; write a persuasive piece supporting it.

• Write a speech explaining the cost of wind power production and how those on the lowest incomes are supporting its inefficency.

• Write a report explaining what would happen to our way of life, our cheap food, clean water, safe waste systems, convenient health care and public transport if we had to rely on so-called 'renewable' power sources. 

• Research the safety of coal seam gas, and report on the consequences for our families' energy cost if we run out of gas. The starting point for that one is below.