Energy Myths and Realities

Bringing Science to the Energy Policy Debate

Inbunden, Engelska, 2010

694 kr

Slutsåld

Beskrivning

There are many misconceptions about the future of global energy often presented as fact by the media, politicians, business leaders, activists, and even scientists—wasting time and money and hampering the development of progressive energy policies. Energy Myths and Realities: Bringing Science to the Energy Policy Debate debunks the most common fallacies to make way for a constructive, scientific approach to the global energy challenge. When will the world run out of oil? Should nuclear energy be adopted on a larger scale? Are ethanol and wind power viable sources of energy for the future? Vaclav Smil advises the public to be wary of exaggerated claims and impossible promises. The global energy transition will be prolonged and expensive—and hinges on the development of an extensive new infrastructure. Established technologies and traditional energy sources are persistent and adaptable enough to see the world through that transition. Energy Myths and Realities brings a scientific perspective to an issue often dominated by groundless assertions, unfounded claims, and uncritical thinking. Before we can create sound energy policies for the future, we must renounce the popular myths that cloud our judgment and impede true progress.

Produktinformation

Utgivningsdatum:2010-10-16
Mått:162 x 242 x 21 mm
Vikt:481 g
Format:Inbunden
Språk:Engelska
Antal sidor:232
Förlag:AEI Press
ISBN:9780844743288
Utmärkelser:Foreign Policy's Top 100 Global Thinker

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Mer om författaren

Vaclav Smil is Distinguished Professor of Environment and Environmental Geography at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.

Recensioner i media

Numerous energy-related issues have increased public discussions to the point that energy has become a permanent part of national policy concerns and/or debates.... In his well-researched book, Smil (Univ. of Manitoba, Canada), author of numerous energy-related works, examines the scientific authenticity of information available to the public based on "first principles, basic engineering realities, and simple but revealing quantification" and warns of promoting any simplistic solutions to deep worldwide dependence on fossil fuels. He concludes with an interesting chapter titled "The Pace of Energy Transition," arguing that it takes more than money and good wishes to replace an existing infrastructure. Smil's suggestion to reduce energy consumption via increasing energy efficiency in all sectors is hard to challenge. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals; general readers.

Innehållsförteckning

List of FiguresKey to Units of MeasureIntroductionPart I: Lessons from the PastChapter 1: The Future Belongs to Electric CarsChapter 2: Nuclear Electricity Will Be Too Cheap to MeterChapter 3: Soft Energy IllusionsPart II: Myths in the HeadlinesChapter 4: Running Out: Peak Oil and Its MeaningChapter 5: Sequestration of Carbon DioxideChapter 6: Liquid Fuels from PlantsChapter 7: Electricity from WindChapter 8: The Pace of Engery TransitionsConclusion: Lessons and Policy ImplicationsNotesReferencesIndexAbout the Author