The author begins paragraph 3 ("Actually... vital stuff') with the claims "Actually, I do know" and "I'm fully aware"
primarily to
o convey his distrust of the media and his critics.
prove that he is not the "moron" critics believe him to be.
imply that the people who are accusing him are the "morons."
establish the scope of the fossil fuel system in which we live.
suggest that anyone who is not aware is sorely misinformed.