Quote of the day by Paul Krugman: 'I think so long as fossil fuels are cheap, people will use them and it will...' - powerful quote by Nobel Prize-winning economist teaches inspiring life lessons on change, innovation and how cheap energy can slow the shift to new technology

Quote of the day by Paul Krugman: The shift away from fossil fuels is often discussed in terms of climate change, government policy and the development of cleaner energy. But economist Paul Krugman’s quote points to another important factor: cost. Krugman argues that when fossil fuels remain cheap, people have less financial reason to change the way they produce and consume energy. His observation highlights how prices can influence technological progress and the pace at which societies adopt alternatives.

Quote of the Day Today: Paul Krugman on Fossil Fuels and New Technology

Paul Krugman said, “I think so long as fossil fuels are cheap, people will use them and it will postpone a movement towards new technologies,” as per BrainyQuote.

What Does Paul Krugman’s Quote Mean

The quote suggests that people and businesses tend to continue using energy sources that are affordable and readily available. If fossil fuels remain inexpensive, switching to newer technologies can seem less urgent or financially attractive.


Krugman’s point is not simply about consumer choices. It also reflects how energy prices can influence investment and innovation. When an existing technology remains relatively cheap, there may be less pressure to develop or adopt alternatives.

The broader idea is that the cost of fossil fuels can affect the pace of the transition to cleaner technologies. Research from the American Economic Association has similarly noted that inexpensive fossil fuels can make it harder to reduce emissions and that relying only on market forces may not be enough to drive a transition.

Life Lesson From Paul Krugman’s Quote

The quote offers a broader lesson about change: people often have less reason to change when the existing option remains convenient and affordable.

Moving toward new technologies may therefore require more than simply creating alternatives. Those alternatives also need to become practical and competitive enough to encourage people to make the switch.

The energy transition is already changing as renewable technologies become increasingly competitive. Paul Krugman has more argued that solar, wind and battery technologies have become significantly cheaper, making clean energy increasingly competitive with fossil fuels.

Krugman's quote highlights the powerful role that economics can play in determining how quickly new technologies replace established ones.

Who Is Paul Krugman

Paul Krugman is an American economist and journalist who won the 2008 Nobel Prize in Economics for his work on economic geography and international trade. Born in Albany, New York, in 1953, he earned degrees from Yale University and MIT, as per a Britannica report.

Paul Krugman’s Economics Career

Krugman taught at MIT from 1979 to 2000 before joining Princeton University. His research examined international trade, economies of scale and where businesses and jobs are located. He later became a professor at the City University of New York’s Graduate Center, as per the Britannica report.

Paul Krugman as a Writer

Krugman has written more than 20 books and 200 professional papers. He was an op-ed columnist for The New York Times from 1999 to 2024. His books include The Return of Depression Economics and Arguing with Zombies.

Paul Krugman’s Awards

Krugman received the 2008 Nobel Prize in Economics and the 1991 John Bates Clark Medal, as per the Britannica report.