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According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the world needs to use more oil and natural gas, or else “civilization will crumble.”
Speaking at an event in Oslo, Norway, Musk said that while it’s important to invest in renewable energy sources, nuclear power plants should also be kept open.
“I want to thank the leaders and the people of Norway for their long-standing support,” Musk said. “I do think we actually need more oil and gas for civilization to function. But simultaneously moving fast to a sustainable energy economy.”
Musk’s comments come as the world is increasingly feeling the effects of climate change, with 2022 on track to be one of the hottest years on record.
While many have called for a rapid transition to renewable energy to combat climate change, Musk has warned that this could lead to blackouts and other disruptions.
“If we were to shut down all fossil fuel power plants today, civilization would essentially collapse,” Musk said.
Instead, Musk believes that a mix of energy sources is needed to ensure a reliable and sustainable supply of energy.
“I think it’s important that we move as quickly as possible to a sustainable energy economy,” Musk said. “But I don’t think we should shut down all fossil fuel power plants tomorrow.”
The Tesla and SpaceX CEO made the comments in an interview with CNBC, saying that oil is necessary for the functioning of modern society.
“Realistically, I think we need to use oil and gas in the short term because otherwise, civilization will crumble,” Musk said. “I actually am not someone who tends to demonize oil and gas, to be clear. This is necessary right now, or civilization could not function. So I do think we need more oil and gas, not less.”
Musk’s comments come as the world faces an energy crisis, with oil prices soaring and supplies running low. The situation has led to widespread panic and unrest, with many countries scrambling to secure their supplies.
Musk said that while he thinks some additional exploration is warranted, we need to be using the oil we have, or we will face dire consequences.
“I think it is important that we use oil,” he said. “Otherwise, civilization will crumble.”
Musk went on to say that while electric cars are the future, they won’t be able to entirely replace oil-powered vehicles overnight.
“It’s not going to happen in 10 years; it’s going to take 20 to 30 years,” he said. “But eventually, we need to get off oil.”
“I know that’s not popular in some quarters, but I think if you have a well-designed nuclear power plant, you should not shut it down, especially right now. One of the biggest challenges the world has ever faced is the transition to sustainable energy and a sustainable economy. That will take some decades to complete.
“One of my less obvious things to be concerned about is the birth rate, and I think it’s important that people have enough babies to support civilization so that we don’t dwindle away,” Musk said.
Musk’s warnings should be taken seriously, as he is one of the world’s most respected entrepreneurs and innovators. His companies, Tesla and SpaceX, have revolutionized the automotive and aerospace industries, and he is widely respected for his forward-thinking vision.
