Energy at the Crossroads: Global Perspectives and Uncertainties

摘要: In Energy at the Crossroads, Vaclav Smil considers twenty-first century's crucial question: how to reconcile modern world's unceasing demand for energy with absolute necessity preserve integrity of biosphere. With this book he offers a comprehensive, accessible guide today's complex issues -- think clearly and logically about what is possible desirable in our future. After century unprecedented production growth, technical innovation, expanded consumption, world faces number critical challenges arising from unequal resource distribution, changing patterns, environmental limitations. The fundamental message Crossroads that dependence on fossil fuels must be reduced not because any imminent shortages but widespread burning oil, coal, natural gas damages biosphere presents increasing economic security problems as relies more expensive supplies Middle Eastern crude oil. begins an overview twentieth long-term trends achievements production. He then discusses prices, real cost energy, "energy linkages" effect have economy, quality life, environment, wartime. pitfalls forecasting, giving many examples failed predictions showing unexpected events can disprove models. And examines pros cons only also alternative such hydroenergy, biomass wind power, solar power. Finally, future, focusing really matters, works, realistic, which outcomes are most desirable.