The energy transition is sometimes described as the switch from carbon-based fuels to non-carbon fuels. This narrow lens leads to divisive and unproductive political and social discourse by pitting the environment against the economy. In reality, the production of all forms of energy at scale—fossil, nuclear and renewable—impact land, water, local air and atmosphere. And unquestionably, affordable, reliable energy underpins modern economies and has led to unprecedented economic growth and human advancement. Thus, a sustainable transition will happen when all humans are lifted from energy poverty and environmental impacts of all forms of energy are minimized. Rather than creating false dichotomies of “good and bad” and “clean and dirty,” it is vital that the energy dialog be data-driven, and seek compromise and convergence on workable solutions. Fortunately, such solutions exist.
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Scott Tinker works to bring industry, government, academia, and nongovernmental organizations together to address major societal challenges in energy, the environment, and the economy. Dr. Tinker is Director of the 250-person Bureau of Economic Geology, the State Geologist of Texas, and a professor holding the Allday Endowed Chair in the Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin. Tinker coproduced and is featured in the award-winning energy documentary film Switch, which has been screened in over 50 countries to more than 15 million viewers and is used on thousands of K-through-12 and college campuses. Dr. Tinker formed the nonprofit Switch Energy Alliance and is working on two new films: Switch On, addressing global energy poverty and released in January 2020, and Making the Switch, focused on the energy transition. He is the voice of EarthDate, a two-minute weekly program that focuses on remarkable stories of Earth. EarthDate is produced by the Bureau of Economic Geology and is featured on nearly 400 NPR and public radio stations in all 50 United States. Dr. Tinker has served as president of the American Geosciences Institute (AGI), the Association of American State Geologists, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), and the Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies (GCAGS). Dr. Tinker is an AGI Campbell Medalist, AAPG Halbouty Award winner, GCAGS Boyd Medalist, and a Geological Society of America Fellow. In his visits to some 65 countries, he has given over 800 keynote and invited lectures.