indeed, and cost drives everything in terms of consumer demand. the only reason anyone in corporate america gives a hoot about alternative energy now is that conventional forms are becoming so expensive. if it weren't for this, and the ensuing consumer backlash against these prices, we would still be encouraged by big oil to guzzle, gasp, smoke and belch our way to hyrdrocarbon oblivion, until the polar caps turn to steaming swamps.
that may happen anyway, now that climate change has gathered a great deal of momentum, but at least things like wind power, solar and hydrogen are in the public consciousness. perhaps we can pull our planet back from the brink - but it will take effort and a little progressive thinking. this is why the naysayers bug me so much. their dogma is a huge part of the problem, as the whole world is at stake.