Every Wednesday, we review a selection of new and upcoming books addressing a specific aspect of environmentalism. Today we're recommending books about moving beyond our fossil-fuel dependence.
The Powers That Be: Global Energy for the Twenty-First Century and Beyond (by Scott L. Montgomery, $25, University of Chicago Press, July 2010): Though often densely factual, Montgomery’s thorough depiction of our global energy crisis and the ways by which we can correct it – solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power, to name a few – is a must-read for anyone unsure or uniformed about the severity of our fossil-fuel dependence. Realistic yet soundly optimistic, this book leaves readers with a well-rounded knowledge of how the intersection of technology, government policy, and personal behavior impact our energy future.
Energy for the 21st Century: A Comprehensive Guide to Conventional and Alternative Sources, 2nd Edition (by Roy L. Nersesian, $93, M.E. Sharpe, 2010): The updated edition of this systematic overview of conventional and alternative energy sources presents the latest information about biofuels and an expanded section about sustainability. With his balanced perspective on the history and future of global energy, Nersesian illuminates the dilemmas facing the energy industry and examines the role each energy source will play in overcoming these issues.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Renewable Energy for Your Home (by Harvey Bryan and Brita Belli, $14, Alpha Books, July 2009): For those of us that aren't renewable-energy experts, this book provides a clear, comprehensive overview of five natural energy sources that can be implemented in your home. Even better, it offers suggestions for simple home improvements – such as when to replace lights or how to funnel cool breezes – that can save you plenty on your energy bill and don’t require costly upgrades.
Confronting Collapse: The Crisis of Energy and Money in a Post Peak Oil World (by Michael C. Ruppert, $10, Chelsea Green Publishing, Dec. 2009): In this abrupt eye-opener, the author, a former LAPD narcotics officer turned investigative journalist, details the intricate interdependence of money and oil. By analyzing shortages and price spikes, he argues that we must end our worldwide addiction or suffer economic collapse. Laid out much like a program statement for government policymakers, the book concludes with a straightforward yet slightly controversial 25-point plan of action to break free from oil.
Kick the Fossil Fuel Habit: 10 Clean Technologies to Save Our World (by Tom Rand, $23, Eco Ten Publishing, June 2010): An engaging, thoughtful analysis of ten leading clean-energy technologies complete with vibrant photos, this book should appeal to a wide range of readers. Rand explores the potential and pitfalls of each technology, concluding with an optimistic picture of a fossil-fuel-free world in 2050.
--Allison McCann
Every Wednesday, we review a selection of new and upcoming books addressing a specific aspect of environmentalism. Today we're recommending books about moving beyond our fossil-fuel dependence.
The Powers That Be: Global Energy for the Twenty-First Century and Beyond (by Scott L. Montgomery, $25, University of Chicago Press, July 2010): Though often densely factual, Montgomery’s thorough depiction of our global energy crisis and the ways by which we can correct it – solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power, to name a few – is a must-read for anyone unsure or uniformed about the severity of our fossil-fuel dependence. Realistic yet soundly optimistic, this book leaves readers with a well-rounded knowledge of how the intersection of technology, government policy, and personal behavior impact our energy future.Energy for the 21st Century: A Comprehensive Guide to Conventional and Alternative Sources, 2nd Edition (by Roy L. Nersesian, $93, M.E. Sharpe, 2010): The updated edition of this systematic overview of conventional and alternative energy sources presents the latest information about biofuels and an expanded section about sustainability. With his balanced perspective on the history and future of global energy, Nersesian illuminates the dilemmas facing the energy industry and examines the role each energy source will play in overcoming these issues.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Renewable Energy for Your Home (by Harvey Bryan and Brita Belli, $14, Alpha Books, July 2009): For those of us that aren't renewable-energy experts, this book provides a clear, comprehensive overview of five natural energy sources that can be implemented in your home. Even better, it offers suggestions for simple home improvements – such as when to replace lights or how to funnel cool breezes – that can save you plenty on your energy bill and don’t require costly upgrades.
Confronting Collapse: The Crisis of Energy and Money in a Post Peak Oil World (by Michael C. Ruppert, $10, Chelsea Green Publishing, Dec. 2009): In this abrupt eye-opener, the author, a former LAPD narcotics officer turned investigative journalist, details the intricate interdependence of money and oil. By analyzing shortages and price spikes, he argues that we must end our worldwide addiction or suffer economic collapse. Laid out much like a program statement for government policymakers, the book concludes with a straightforward yet slightly controversial 25-point plan of action to break free from oil.
Kick the Fossil Fuel Habit: 10 Clean Technologies to Save Our World (by Tom Rand, $23, Eco Ten Publishing, June 2010): An engaging, thoughtful analysis of ten leading clean-energy technologies complete with vibrant photos, this book should appeal to a wide range of readers. Rand explores the potential and pitfalls of each technology, concluding with an optimistic picture of a fossil-fuel-free world in 2050.
--Allison McCann