How Bad Europe’s Energy Crisis Is
Perhaps I&#x27;m mis-remembering, but I remember US policymakers repeatedly warning Europe, over many decades, about the dangers of depending on Russian energy sources. Here&#x27;s an article about the discussion while Reagan was president: <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.nytimes.com&#x2F;2022&#x2F;03&#x2F;23&#x2F;climate&#x2F;europe-russia-gas-reagan.html" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.nytimes.com&#x2F;2022&#x2F;03&#x2F;23&#x2F;climate&#x2F;europe-russia-gas...</a><p>In contrast, the US has invested staggering amounts of money into work on energy independence (triggered by the OPEC embargo in the 70s). This led to research in solar, wind, and fracking, which eventually led to significant improvements.<p>The result is that while things aren&#x27;t perfect:<p>1. The US is a net energy exporter: <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.eia.gov&#x2F;energyexplained&#x2F;us-energy-facts&#x2F;imports-and-exports.php" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.eia.gov&#x2F;energyexplained&#x2F;us-energy-facts&#x2F;imports-...</a><p>2. The energy jugular vein of parts of Europe is exposed to those who are happy to hurt Europe. I think France is mostly okay due to nuclear power (yes some are down for delayed maintenance, but they still have a lot being generated).<p>Yes, yes, it&#x27;s all more complicated than any simple summary can make it. But lack of energy for a country can quickly lead to a lot of dead people. A country is unwise if it ignores the issue. In contrast, I think it&#x27;s quite reasonable to take steps to ensure that any necessary energy will be available in the future.