The stimulus for the development of future energy systems is the result of many seemingly unrelated factors. When one of these factors, for example, oil supplies, is examined in isolation, it provides only modest justification for dramatic action. When these seemingly unrelated factors are examined together, they merge and compel implementation of a new energy system. Why and how the optimum energy system, fusion hydrogen, can be implemented is now examined In discussions of implementation of the fusion hydrogen energy system one question is always asked : can we afford the cost? The answer is : the combination of resource depletion and pollution will force the implementation of a new energy system in the next 50 years irrespective of cost. With this answer comes two challenging tasks. One task is technical : can we develop the necessary technology? The second task is political/social : can we develop the will to put it into operation? The answer to the cost question is justified here and the social and political barriers are described and potential techniques for accomplishing the tasks are suggested.