The fossil fuel narrative has understandably focused on the death blow coming from electric vehicles and renewable energy. However, the history of whaling shows that one should keep an open mind. The death of Yankee Whaling is not the whole story on technological disruption. Technological innovations in other industries created new markets for whaling and the industry thrived once more after the displacement of whale oil for lighting in 1850. Whaling totals only peaked in the 1960s, at more than 20x the 1850 peak.
Lessons from whaling history for oil today
Lessons from whaling history for oil today
Lessons from whaling history for oil today
The fossil fuel narrative has understandably focused on the death blow coming from electric vehicles and renewable energy. However, the history of whaling shows that one should keep an open mind. The death of Yankee Whaling is not the whole story on technological disruption. Technological innovations in other industries created new markets for whaling and the industry thrived once more after the displacement of whale oil for lighting in 1850. Whaling totals only peaked in the 1960s, at more than 20x the 1850 peak.