Vaclav Smil

Energy Transitions (eBook, PDF)

History, Requirements, Prospects

• Format: PDF

Produktbeschreibung

This bold and controversial argument shows why energy transitions are inherently complex and prolonged affairs, and how ignoring this fact raises unrealistic expectations that the United States and other global economies can be weaned quickly from a primary dependency on fossil fuels. Energy transitions are fundamental processes behind the evolution of human societies: they both drive and are driven by technical, economic, and social changes. In a bold and provocative argument, Energy Transitions: History, Requirements, Prospects describes the history of modern society's dependence on fossil fuels and the prospects for the transition to a nonfossil world. Vaclav Smil, who has published more on various aspects of energy than any working scientist, makes it clear that this transition will not be accomplished easily, and that it cannot be accomplished within the timetables established by the Obama administration. The book begins with a survey of the basic properties of modern energy systems. It then offers detailed explanations of universal patterns of energy transitions, the peculiarities of changing energy use in the world's leading economies, and the coming shifts from fossil fuels to renewable conversions. Specific cases of these transitions are analyzed for eight of the world's leading energy consumers. The author closes with perspectives on the nature and pace of the coming energy transition to renewable conversions.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Bloomsbury Publishing Inc
• Seitenzahl: 192
• Altersempfehlung: ab 7 Jahre
• Erscheinungstermin: 26. Mai 2010
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 9780313381782
• Artikelnr.: 37833657

Autorenporträt

Vaclav Smil is Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Faculty of Environment at the University of Manitoba.

Inhaltsangabe

Preface to the New Edition Introduction: The Book's Raison d'Être Chapter 1
Energy Systems: Their Basic Properties Resources and Prime Movers
Conversions and Uses Infrastructures and Impacts Chapter 2 Energy
Transitions: Universal Patterns Processes and Paces: Complexities of Energy
Transitions Grand Fuel Sequence: From Biomass to Coal and Hydrocarbons A
New Quality: Generation of Electricity History of Prime Movers: From
Muscles to Machines Quantifying the Transitions: Uncertainties and Trends
Chapter 3 National Transitions: Commonalities and Particularities United
Kingdom and France: Great European Powers Netherlands and Sweden: Very
Different Experiences United States and Russia: Energy Superpowers Japan
and China: Asia's Leaders Changing Patterns: Commonalities and Exceptions
Chapter 4 Decarbonization: Progress So Far Slow Gains: Relative Global
Decarbonization Inadequate Shifts: Hydrocarbons and Primary Electricity New
Renewables: Solar Energy and Wind Electricity Modern Biofuels: Electricity
and Liquids National Trajectories: Aspirations and Accomplishments Chapter
5 Looking Ahead: Possibilities and Constraints Long-term Forecasts: Past
Failures and New Visions Climate Change Challenge: How Much More CO2 Can We
Emit? Indispensable Fossil Fuels: Steel, Cement, Ammonia, and Plastics Pace
of Transitions: Innovations, Inertia, and Surprises Realistic
Anticipations: More Than a Great Transition Chapter 6 Recapitulations
Appendices References Index