We use nuclear energy, which creates waste that we can't get rid of. If other countries used power at our rate, the world would quickly be a foul, polluted wasteland. Asimov seems to be saying, and I agree, that there will never be a quick fix. Every source will have some inherent problems. We should instead focus on tightening our belts, and reducing our energy consumption.
Competition drives a person to acheive more and strive to do their best.
These characteristics are then passed down to the offspring, which further their ancestor's drive to succeed. I am a competetive person myself. I strive to do well in classes and and in my future career. I do not shrink from a fight. I can sympathize with the opinion that the book was hindered with these subject matters and context.