Fossil fuels will run out not because of limited resources but because of the environmental impact. If I can solve that impact, I have basically increased the resource base by a vast amount.

In this quote, Klaus Lackner challenges the common belief that fossil fuels will eventually run out due to their limited resources. Instead, he argues that their depletion will be driven by the environmental impact they cause, particularly in terms of climate change and pollution. Lackner suggests that by addressing and solving the environmental damage caused by fossil fuel use, it would be possible to greatly expand the effective supply of these resources, essentially mitigating their environmental harm while continuing to use them.

Lackner's point centers on the idea that the problem with fossil fuels isn't necessarily their scarcity but the unsustainable nature of their extraction and consumption. If technologies or processes can be developed to reduce or eliminate the harmful environmental consequences of burning fossil fuels, this would not only preserve their availability but also allow society to continue benefiting from these resources without further harming the planet. Lackner’s focus is on the potential to innovate solutions that make fossil fuels more sustainable in the long term.

The origin of this quote comes from Klaus Lackner, a prominent engineer and environmental scientist known for his work on carbon capture and climate change mitigation. He is particularly recognized for his research on methods to reduce the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, such as the development of machines that could directly capture and store CO2. Lackner's work is grounded in his belief that technological innovation is key to solving the environmental crisis without entirely abandoning existing energy resources.

Ultimately, Lackner’s quote speaks to the need for technological innovation in the fight against climate change. By focusing on solving environmental impacts, Lackner believes humanity can extend the use of fossil fuels in a more sustainable and eco-friendly manner, reducing the damage caused while still benefiting from these energy sources. His perspective offers hope that sustainability and resource management can be achieved through innovation rather than relying solely on the depletion of natural resources.