De Balie Podcast

In 2024, we used more oil and coal than ever before. Despite the growing number of electric cars on our highways and solar panels on our rooftops, global carbon emissions continued to rise. Historian Jean-Baptiste Fressoz argues that we should forget about the term ‘energy transition’ altogether. Is betting everything on innovation actually blocking real and urgent needed change? Together with journalist Jaap Tielbeke and entrepreneur Sjef Peeraer.Throughout history, energy sources have never replaced each other. They have only complemented each other, French historian of science and technology Jean-Baptiste Fressoz argues. Replacing a product with a sustainable alternative does not necessarily lead to reduced use of harmful raw materials. Electric cars are still made from steel, which requires tons of coal. Unrealistic, distant promises about future hydrogen planes only stand in the way of real changes in aviation today.Based on Fressoz’s book More and More and More, we wil