“Biological organisms, including human societies both with and without market systems, discount distant outputs over those available at the present time based on risks associated with an uncertain future. As the timing of inputs and outputs varies greatly depending on the type of energy, there is a strong case to incorporate time when assessing energy alternatives. For example, the energy output from solar panels or wind power engines, where most investment happens before they begin producing, may need to be assessed differently when compared to most fossil fuel extraction technologies, where a large proportion of the energy output comes much sooner, and a larger (relative) proportion of inputs is applied during the extraction process, and not upfront. Thus fossil fuels, particularly oil and natural gas, in addition to having energy quality advantages (cost, storability, transportability, etc.) over many renewable technologies, also have a “temporal advantage” after accounting for human behavioral preference for current consumption/return.”
Q1. What’s the meaning of “after accounting for human behavioral preference for current consumption/return”? (“accounting for” here is “taking into consideration”, right? That’s what I was told. But “human behavioral preference for current consumption/return” I can’t figure out. “current” here is not the same meaning as in “the current situation”?)
thanks3 (“accounting for” here is “taking into consideration”, right? That’s what I was told. Right.
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
thanks3(“accounting for” here is “taking into consideration”, right? That’s what I was told.
Right.
thanks3But “human behavioral preference for current consumption/return” I can’t figure out. “current” here is not the same meaning as in “the current situation”?)
It sort of is. He has misusd the word. He wanted to a