Originally posted by DYNAMITE
I don't know about curval... but imho, Russia gains from claiming MMGW doesn't exist because Russia is now one of the largest suppliers of fossil fuels in the world (both oil, and natural gas). If people in europe (their biggest clients) start seeking alternative energy sources, Russia loses out not only financially but politically too. Right now, Russia's ability to shut off the gas to most of eastern europe, and parts of western europe means that they are a force to be reckoned with.
Just my $.02
Fossil "fuel" is not only fuel. Natural carbohydrates should be used in chemical industry. We burn oil - and it's like heating your fireplace with $100 bills.
Look, it's Capitalism, demand and offer. We can burn Western Europe and North America into ashes in a matter of minutes, but we prefer to sell gas and oil.
Alternative energy sources? Electricity used to produce aluminum for wind-generators is much more then they can give in their lifetime. Roof-top water heaters are the only good natural alternative energy supply. And they work only if you live in a god-blessed place where temperature never drops below freezing.
Thermonuclear reactor is the only choice, but Tokamak-15 and other projects were deliberately killed.