[sliverstorm]

No one with even a rudimentary understanding of exponential growth believes energy consumption can grow exponentially forever. But the problem is self-fixing; one day, the supply of energy will stop growing as fast as demand. The day will come, the day will pass, and the world will adjust.

[jcrites]

In particular, prices will rise gradually over time, which will encourage investment in cost-lowering research and development, as well as into energy generation.

The market is what helps the world adjust. Unless a dramatic event causes a significant change in prices in a short time, things will carry on just like they always have.

[jshen]

Also, this idea that we don't have to worry about stuff because the market with help us adjust is idealistic wishful thinking at best.

[sliverstorm]

What are you proposing is the problem? That we will foolishly bull forwards, and accidentally violate the laws of physics and consume more energy than there is?

[chii]

the fear is that we would consume too much now, and not leave enough behind to facilitate the research/development needed to find/create better sources of energy.

E.g., you used up the fuel in the car too fast, and can't reach the next gas station.

[jshen]

How can an economy grow significantly if energy is capped?

[jshen]

How painful will the adjustment be? Potentially very painful.