Power traces how humans have come to overpower the earth's natural systems and to oppress one another, with catastrophic consequences. We must rapidly re-learn the lessons of power self-limitation rooted in evolution and human history if we are to stave off ecological and social collapse and enjoy a thriving future.
Beginning with a comprehensive overview of our current energy system, the author's survey issues of energy supply and demand in key components of society. In their detailed review of each sector, the authors examine the most crucial challenges we face, from intermittency in fuel sources to energy storage and grid redesign.
A study of 'fracking' (hydraulic fracturing), that casts a critical eye on the oil-industry hype that has hijacked the discussion over energy security. Considers fracking from both economic and environmental perspectives, informed by the most thorough analysis of shale gas and oil drilling data ever undertaken.
The book critically examines the environmental impact of humanity's insatiable demand for energy, revealing the hidden costs of both traditional and renewable sources. It highlights the destructive consequences of oil spills, nuclear disasters, and invasive energy projects like wind farms and solar plants on ecosystems and communities worldwide. The narrative emphasizes that no landscape is immune to the repercussions of unchecked energy development, threatening precious ecosystems, wildlands, and even public health in the pursuit of continuous growth.
Economists insist that recovery is at hand, yet unemployment remains high, real estate values continue to drop, and governments stagger under record deficits. This title focuses on the financial crisis, explaining how and why it occurred, and what we must do to avert the worst potential outcomes.
The book presents a provocative analysis suggesting that humanity has hit a critical juncture in its economic evolution, where the relentless growth of industrial civilization clashes with unavoidable environmental constraints. Despite economists’ claims of recovery, persistent high unemployment and declining real estate values indicate deeper systemic issues. The author argues that these challenges signal the end of traditional economic growth, urging readers to reconsider the sustainability of current economic practices in light of finite natural resources.
This book explores the cultural, psychological, and practical changes needed as we face declines in resources like oil, natural gas, and fresh water, alongside challenges in climate stability and economic growth. It emphasizes adapting to the limits imposed by nature in the 21st century.
The 20th century saw unprecedented growth in population, food production and energy consumption. As the population shifted from rural areas to urban cities, the human impact on the environment increased dramatically. This book addresses various cultural, psychological and practical changes we need to make as nature rapidly dictates our new limits.
Includes an overview of the likely impacts of oil and natural gas depletion and then outlines four options for industrial societies. This book explores how three important groups within global society - the power elites, the organized opposition to the elites (the 'activist' movements), and ordinary people - are likely to respond to these options.
Since oil is the primary fuel of global industrial civilization, its imminent depletion is a problem that will have a profound impact on every aspect of modern life. This book attempts to describe an accord whereby nations would voluntarily reduce their oil production and oil imports according to a consistent, sensible formula.