Book Description

Climate Change is forcing us to re-think our use of fossil fuels - the oil, coal, and gas that we have depended upon for generations. A rising global population means that there is an unprecedented level of demand on the world's energy resources. And there are still desperately poor areas of the world that remain unconnected to a national grid. The Rough Guide to the Energy Crisis examines these important issues, and explains the many challenges facing energy today, and explores possible solutions. KEY TOPICS INCLUDE: -Energy today: We take our energy for granted. But what do we use, and where does it come from? -Peak Oil: How long do we have before oil production peaks? Has it peaked already? -Renewables: Can wind turbines, solar panels, and wave and tidal power really keep the lights on? -Nuclear: How safe are the power plants? And can you be a pro-nuclear green? -Climate Change: Our energy use has environmental consequences. Are their technological answers? And can our lifestyles adapt? Keeping the planet safe while keeping the world moving is perhaps the most important challenge we currently face. The Rough Guide to the Energy Crisis examines the many sides of this problem, and how it could be approached, with erudition and accessibility.