| Energy Realism this past week discussed the value of constant innovation, and why climate policies should never pick energy winners and losers. Jeff Luse got us right before Christmas: it is economic freedom that should lead the fight in climate change policy. The power of innovation knows no bounds. And fossil fuels are so dominant that they must be incorporated into the “solution” part of the conversation, not the “problem” part. The task of moving away from fossil fuels quickly or suddenly is wildly unrealistic as they supply 80% of the world’s energy needs. Global energy demand is expected to increase 50% by 2050, with a majority of that growth coming in the developing world. Fossil fuels are also responsible for many of the goods that have advanced human prosperity including fertilizers, cell phones, cookstoves, clothing, and more. Tom Albanese reports much of the same. The world is becoming increasingly electric and connected, transitioning towards a future powered by batteries and running on electronics that will require an ever-growing supply of critical minerals and materials. From the Ford F-150 Lightning to the F-35 fighter jet, these minerals and materials already power our most advanced technologies and nearly every facet of our everyday lives. Jean-Claude Viollier encompasses all of these concepts as “climate technology.” Leaders who embrace sustainability initiatives across all areas of their organization will set an example for their entire workforce and instill a culture mindset that is dedicated to a better future. Those interested in beginning their sustainability journey should follow the example of organizations paving the way, share their stories across their network, and assess how they, too, can make a difference. Our Essential Reading then this week comes from Kathleen Hartnett White, at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Since the Industrial Revolution, human’s ability to harness the energy of fossil fuels has secured unprecedented improvements in health, wealth, and living standards. Current policies to supplant fossil fuels undervalue the magnitude of human improvement made possible by fossil fuels and overvalue current alternatives to fossil fuels. In the News Casey Crownhart, MIT Technology Review UNEP Ben Lefebvre, Politico Matt Egan, CNN Food & Water Watch Ben Geman, Axios Larry Behrens, RealClearEnergy Holman W. Jenkins, Jr., WSJ Robert Bryce David Harrison, WSJ Jean-Claude Viollier, RealClearEnergy Tom Albanese, RealClearEnergy CNBC Television Mark Fields, former Ford Motor Company president and CEO, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss the state of electric vehicle rollout in the U.S., reasons behind a slowdown in sales, the cha... CNBC Television Paul Sankey, Sankey Research, joins 'Fast Money' to talk today's OPEC+ meeting, what's ahead for the energy markets and more. | 