A reduction in fossil derived energy, provided that we keep our advances and efforts in research, science and health, would not be a historical step backwards. On the contrary, although fossil derived energy has brougth us to the development point we have now, it has taken an enormous toll in the environment. This toll is stricking back against us, and the longterm planet suitability for ourselves, which clearly is not a clever activity. It's like someone who starts to pollute and destroy its home, in order to get a living. Certainly, it is a primitive resolution. On the other hand, if our reduction of fossil derived energy, is not coupled to development in alternative sustainable energy sources, we, as a society will experience less and less capabilities to advance. Certainly, this case would imply a historical step backwards.