Economics Archives

Will the US Raise the Debt Ceiling? What You Need to Know

What is the debt ceiling? Why is defaulting on the country’s debt so bad? Will Congress and the White House reach a deal to raise the debt ceiling by June? Analysts say that Congress and the White House must reach a deal to raise the $31.4 trillion debt ceiling by June to prevent the US government from defaulting on its debt. With the clock ticking and Democrats and Republicans both refusing to budge on their positions, there’s no deal in sight. Keep reading to learn why the debt ceiling is so important and why Congress and the White House are

Examples of How the Oil Curse Can Destroy a Nation

What is the oil curse? Why is having an abundance of oil a detriment to a country rather than a money-maker? In her book Burnout, Rachel Maddow explains why countries rich in oil are usually stricken with poverty. She discusses Equatorial Guinea, the United States, and Russia. Continue reading to learn how the oil curse can afflict a nation.

Vaclav Smil: Climate Change Must Be Addressed Realistically

How well do people understand the way the world works? How does this impact our assessment of climate change and its solutions? According to scientist Vaclav Smil, climate change can be slowed, but only gradually and at great expense. In How the World Really Works, he argues that this is because our current way of life relies so heavily on fossil fuels. Keep reading to understand the climate situation in the context of how the world really works.

The Problems With Renewable Energy: How Solar & Wind Fail Us

Is the use of solar and wind energy good for the environment? Why are conservationists at odds with environmentalists? The primary driver of climate change, and the most important issue to tackle, is society’s ever-growing energy consumption. Renewables are all the rage. However, as Michael Shellenberger explains, renewable energy has its own disadvantages and even harmful effects. Read more to learn about the problems with renewable energy.

How Russian Oil and Gas Gave Putin More Power

How have Russia’s oil and gas industries made the country a superpower? In what ways has Putin taken advantage of them? In her book Blowout, Rachel Maddow claims President Vladimir Putin used Russia’s energy companies to manipulate other countries. She argues that he’s created a monopoly that relies on illegal and corrupt practices. Keep reading to learn about Putin’s control of Russia’s energy resources.

The Benefits of Nuclear Power: A Safe, Clean, & Reliable Choice

How costly are nuclear power plants? Can they keep up with growing energy demands? How safe are they? We can’t get away from our dependence on energy. Michael Shellenberger argues that nuclear is the way to go. He explains the benefits of nuclear power and addresses the reservations and misconceptions many people have about it. Read on to understand Shellenberger’s argument for nuclear power, and see whether you’re convinced.

Increasing Taxes on Energy Companies: The Answer to Corruption?

Is it possible to stop corruption in the energy industry? Is there a way for energy companies to improve the countries they’re in, rather than destroy them? In Blowout, journalist and MSNBC commentator Rachel Maddow exposes the corruption and exploitation in the oil and gas industry. At the end of her book, Maddow suggests a few solutions to the problem, including increasing taxes on energy companies. Keep reading to learn how the world can fix the energy industry.

How Russia Became an Energy Superpower in Europe

Is Russia a superpower? How did Russia make Europe dependent on it for oil? Rachel Maddow writes in her book Blowout that Russia is an energy superpower in Europe. Thanks to this, Russia gained the ability to manipulate several countries by cutting off their supply of gas. Keep reading for a look at how Russia dominated Europe with energy.

Michael Shellenberger: Nuclear Power’s Advantages & Detractors

Why is it more expensive to build nuclear power plants in the US than in other places? Is the anti-nuclear movement doing more harm than good? According to award-winning science writer Michael Shellenberger, nuclear power is the solution for the foreseeable future when it comes to our ever-growing demands for energy. In Apocalypse Never, he makes the case for nuclear energy and explains who’s standing in the way. Read more to learn Shellenberger’s take on the nuclear power issue.

How Serious Are the Problems Caused by Deforestation?

Why are forests disappearing? What’s the impact of deforestation? How much good does reforestation do? Michael Shellenberger contends that the core of existential environmental dread revolves around the idea that humans are actively killing the planet. In order to remove a certain level of panic from the environmental discussion, he addresses the issues and misperceptions around the loss of rainforests. Keep reading to learn about the actual extent of the problems caused by deforestation and the outlook of reforestation.