Download or read book Critical Perspectives on Fossil Fuels vs Renewable Energy written by Anne C. Cunningham and published by Enslow Publishing, LLC. This book was released on 2016-12-15 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Renewable energy is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global economy as climate scientists and environmentalists give voice to the detrimental effects of fossil fuels. But how far have we gotten in developing efficient and sustainable energy, including solar, wind, and geothermal power, and what are the benefits of these renewable energy sources compared to fossil fuels? This text examines the issue from diverse viewpoints, allowing students to analyze key ideas in energy production through primary source evidence.
Download or read book Critical Perspectives on Energy and Power written by Linley Erin Hall and published by The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. This book was released on 2006-08-15 with total page 214 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Examines contemporary issues on energy resources and power, covering such topics as fossil fuels, nuclear energy, energy storage, and alternative energy sources.
Download or read book A critical approach to the social acceptance of renewable energy infrastructures written by Susana Batel and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2021-08-25 with total page 266 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides a critical approach to research on the social acceptance of renewable energy infrastructures and on energy transitions in general by questioning prevalent principles and proposing specific research pathways and lines of inquiry that look beyond depoliticised, business-as-usual discourses and research agendas on green growth and sustainability. It brings together authors from different socio-geographical and disciplinary backgrounds within the social sciences to reflect upon, discuss and advance what we propose to be five cornerstones of a critical approach: overcoming individualism and socio-cognitivism; repoliticisations – recognising and articulating power relations; for interdisciplinarity; interventions – praxis and political engagement with research; and overcoming localism and spatial determinism: As such, this book offers academics, students and practitioners alike a comprehensive perspective of what it means to be critical when inquiring into the social acceptance of renewable energy and associated infrastructures.
Download or read book Energy and Society written by Gavin Bridge and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2018-05-30 with total page 314 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Energy and Society is the first major text to provide an extensive critical treatment of energy issues informed by recent research on energy in the social sciences. Written in an engaging and accessible style it draws new thinking on uneven development, consumption, vulnerability and transition together to illustrate the social significance of energy systems in the global North and South. The book features case studies, examples, discussion questions, activities, recommended reading and more, to facilitate its use in teaching. Energy and Society deploys contemporary geographical concepts and approaches but is not narrowly disciplinary. Its critical perspective highlights connections between energy and significant socio-economic and political processes, such as globalisation, urban isation, international development and social justice, and connects important issues that are often treated in isolation, such as resource availability, energy security, energy access and low-carbon transition. Co-authored by leading researchers and based on current research and thinking in the social sciences, Energy and Society presents a distinctive geographical approach to contemporary energy issues. It is an essential resource for upperlevel undergraduates and Master’s students in geography, environmental studies, urban studies, energy studies and related fields.
Download or read book The Power of Renewables written by Chinese Academy of Engineering and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2011-01-29 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The United States and China are the world's top two energy consumers and, as of 2010, the two largest economies. Consequently, they have a decisive role to play in the world's clean energy future. Both countries are also motivated by related goals, namely diversified energy portfolios, job creation, energy security, and pollution reduction, making renewable energy development an important strategy with wide-ranging implications. Given the size of their energy markets, any substantial progress the two countries make in advancing use of renewable energy will provide global benefits, in terms of enhanced technological understanding, reduced costs through expanded deployment, and reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions relative to conventional generation from fossil fuels. Within this context, the U.S. National Academies, in collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), reviewed renewable energy development and deployment in the two countries, to highlight prospects for collaboration across the research to deployment chain and to suggest strategies which would promote more rapid and economical attainment of renewable energy goals. Main findings and concerning renewable resource assessments, technology development, environmental impacts, market infrastructure, among others, are presented. Specific recommendations have been limited to those judged to be most likely to accelerate the pace of deployment, increase cost-competitiveness, or shape the future market for renewable energy. The recommendations presented here are also pragmatic and achievable.
Download or read book Renewable Energy written by Anne Elizabeth Maczulak and published by Infobase Publishing. This book was released on 2010 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Green Technology is an eight-volume set that examines the relationship between human activities and their sometimes harmful consequences for the environment and explores new methods of repairing and restoring the Earth. Approaching environmental issues confronting society from a technological perspective has spawned significant controversy, and the books in this set present all sides of the debate. Designed to complement science curricula, the set also covers relevant history and new green technologies and innovations that will contribute to the field in the future. Renewable Energy: Sources and Methods examines the current technologies in renewable energy, a critical subject given that the world increases its energy consumption between 1 and 3 percent each year. Considering the current rate of energy consumption and the consequences of continuing at this rate, the book explains how the main conventional sources of energy-including coal, oil, and gas-affect economies worldwide. The book also focuses on the remarkable diversity of ideas and innovations in the field of alternative energy. Sidebars, figures, and case studies enhance fundamental concepts and examine urgent issues related to the future of the environment. The volume includes information on alternative vehicles biomass the biorefining industry "clean" energy converting solid waste to energy Earth's energy sources green building design and construction recycling water conservation worldwide energy programs The book contains more than 40 color photographs and line illustrations, five appendixes, a glossary, a detailed list of print and Internet resources, and an index. Green Technology is essential for high school students, teachers, and general readers who seek information on the important issues that affect the environment worldwide. Book jacket.
Download or read book Renewable Energy Sources and Climate Change Mitigation written by Ottmar Edenhofer and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2011-11-21 with total page 1088 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report (IPCC-SRREN) assesses the potential role of renewable energy in the mitigation of climate change. It covers the six most important renewable energy sources - bioenergy, solar, geothermal, hydropower, ocean and wind energy - as well as their integration into present and future energy systems. It considers the environmental and social consequences associated with the deployment of these technologies, and presents strategies to overcome technical as well as non-technical obstacles to their application and diffusion. SRREN brings a broad spectrum of technology-specific experts together with scientists studying energy systems as a whole. Prepared following strict IPCC procedures, it presents an impartial assessment of the current state of knowledge: it is policy relevant but not policy prescriptive. SRREN is an invaluable assessment of the potential role of renewable energy for the mitigation of climate change for policymakers, the private sector, and academic researchers.
Download or read book Green Power written by Joao Neiva de Figueiredo and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2014-02-05 with total page 606 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Green Power: Perspectives on Sustainable Electricity Generation provides a systematic overview of the current state of green power and renewable electrical energy production in the world. Presenting eight in-depth case studies of green power production and dissemination, it illustrates the experiences and best practices of various countries on this topic of critical importance. The book’s case studies provide readers with policy, business, and societal perspectives. They examine the differences in each country’s natural endowments, cultural make-up, technological development, public-policy concerns, and institutional incentive structures relative to the advancement of green and sustainable energy. Considers China’s energy profile and what is being done to reduce the country’s reliance on coal Describes the cultural foundations and institutional environment that gave birth to Germany’s energy revolution Supplies an overview of the renewable energy sector in Spain and analyzes its future prospects in light of recent economic difficulties Reports on French Polynesia’s progress in its quest to generate half of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020 Investigates the feasibility of biomass as a large-scale electricity generation option Explores the vision of power generation in space that could solve mankind’s energy needs permanently By illustrating the experiences of other nations, the book outlines valuable lessons learned and best practices that can be extremely helpful to other countries as they seek a greener energy profile. Supplying a timely overview of renewable and non-renewable electric power sources, it provides in-depth analysis of the key factors that affect success. It also identifies practices that have been precursors to failure so you can avoid making the same mistakes in your quest to contribute to the long-overdue advancement of green energy.
Download or read book Critical Perspectives on Climate Change written by Stephen Feinstein and published by Enslow Publishing, LLC. This book was released on 2016-07-15 with total page 210 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The scientific community today largely agrees that climate change is occurring, and that it could have devastating consequences. Still, many Americans are unsure as to what climate change is and what higher temperatures and rising sea levels could mean for them. This essential volume includes scientific data and experts' opinion, along with ordinary people's viewpoints, to examine this important issue. Students will evaluate the evidence to reach a conclusion to one of the most important issues of our time.
Download or read book Renewable Energy and Wildlife Conservation written by Christopher E. Moorman and published by JHU Press. This book was released on 2019-09-10 with total page 279 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Brings together disparate conversations about wildlife conservation and renewable energy, suggesting ways these two critical fields can work hand in hand. Renewable energy is often termed simply "green energy," but its effects on wildlife and other forms of biodiversity can be quite complex. While capturing renewable resources like wind, solar, and energy from biomass can require more land than fossil fuel production, potentially displacing wildlife habitat, renewable energy infrastructure can also create habitat and promote species health when thoughtfully implemented. The authors of Renewable Energy and Wildlife Conservation argue that in order to achieve a balanced plan for addressing these two crucially important sustainability issues, our actions at the nexus of these fields must be directed by current scientific information related to the ecological effects of renewable energy production. Synthesizing an extensive, rapidly growing base of research and insights from practitioners into a single, comprehensive resource, contributors to this volume • describe processes to generate renewable energy, focusing on the Big Four renewables—wind, bioenergy, solar energy, and hydroelectric power • review the documented effects of renewable energy production on wildlife and wildlife habitats • consider current and future policy directives, suggesting ways industrial-scale renewables production can be developed to minimize harm to wildlife populations • explain recent advances in renewable power technologies • identify urgent research needs at the intersection of renewables and wildlife conservation Relevant to policy makers and industry professionals—many of whom believe renewables are the best path forward as the world seeks to meet its expanding energy needs—and wildlife conservationists—many of whom are alarmed at the rate of renewables-related habitat conversion—this detailed book culminates with a chapter underscoring emerging opportunities in renewable energy ecology. Contributors: Edward B. Arnett, Brian B. Boroski, Regan Dohm, David Drake, Sarah R. Fritts, Rachel Greene, Steven M. Grodsky, Amanda M. Hale, Cris D. Hein, Rebecca R. Hernandez, Jessica A. Homyack, Henriette I. Jager, Nicole M. Korfanta, James A. Martin, Christopher E. Moorman, Clint Otto, Christine A. Ribic, Susan P. Rupp, Jake Verschuyl, Lindsay M. Wickman, T. Bently Wigley, Victoria H. Zero
Download or read book The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels written by Alex Epstein and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2014-11-13 with total page 257 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Could everything we know about fossil fuels be wrong? For decades, environmentalists have told us that using fossil fuels is a self-destructive addiction that will destroy our planet. Yet at the same time, by every measure of human well-being, from life expectancy to clean water to climate safety, life has been getting better and better. How can this be? The explanation, energy expert Alex Epstein argues in The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels, is that we usually hear only one side of the story. We’re taught to think only of the negatives of fossil fuels, their risks and side effects, but not their positives—their unique ability to provide cheap, reliable energy for a world of seven billion people. And the moral significance of cheap, reliable energy, Epstein argues, is woefully underrated. Energy is our ability to improve every single aspect of life, whether economic or environmental. If we look at the big picture of fossil fuels compared with the alternatives, the overall impact of using fossil fuels is to make the world a far better place. We are morally obligated to use more fossil fuels for the sake of our economy and our environment. Drawing on original insights and cutting-edge research, Epstein argues that most of what we hear about fossil fuels is a myth. For instance . . . Myth: Fossil fuels are dirty. Truth: The environmental benefits of using fossil fuels far outweigh the risks. Fossil fuels don’t take a naturally clean environment and make it dirty; they take a naturally dirty environment and make it clean. They don’t take a naturally safe climate and make it dangerous; they take a naturally dangerous climate and make it ever safer. Myth: Fossil fuels are unsustainable, so we should strive to use “renewable” solar and wind. Truth: The sun and wind are intermittent, unreliable fuels that always need backup from a reliable source of energy—usually fossil fuels. There are huge amounts of fossil fuels left, and we have plenty of time to find something cheaper. Myth: Fossil fuels are hurting the developing world. Truth: Fossil fuels are the key to improving the quality of life for billions of people in the developing world. If we withhold them, access to clean water plummets, critical medical machines like incubators become impossible to operate, and life expectancy drops significantly. Calls to “get off fossil fuels” are calls to degrade the lives of innocent people who merely want the same opportunities we enjoy in the West. Taking everything into account, including the facts about climate change, Epstein argues that “fossil fuels are easy to misunderstand and demonize, but they are absolutely good to use. And they absolutely need to be championed. . . . Mankind’s use of fossil fuels is supremely virtuous—because human life is the standard of value and because using fossil fuels transforms our environment to make it wonderful for human life.”
Download or read book The Science of Renewable Energy written by Frank R. Spellman and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2016-04-19 with total page 331 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As time goes forward, the availability of affordable and accessible petroleum products decreases while the negative environmental impact increases. If we want to sustain our current way of life, which includes massive energy consumption, it is necessary to find alternatives to fossil fuels to prevent fuel shortages and to preserve and repair the environment around us. The Science of Renewable Energy presents a no-nonsense discussion of the importance of renewable energy, while adhering to scientific principles, models, and observations. The text includes in-depth discussions of emerging technologies, including biomass and fuel cells, and major sources of renewable energy, such as ocean, hydro, solar, and wind energy. To provide a fundamental understanding of the basic concepts of renewable energy, the book also offers an extensive discussion on the basics of electricity, since it is applied to and produced from all forms of renewable energy. While emphasizing the technical aspects and practical applications of renewable sources, the text also covers the economic, social, and policy implications of large-scale implementation. The main focus of the book is on methods of obtaining energy from self-replenishing natural processes while limiting pollution of the atmosphere, water, and soil, as this is a critical pathway for the future. Exploring the subject from a scientific perspective highlights the need for renewable energy and helps to evaluate the task at hand. The book is written for a wide range of readers, including students of diverse backgrounds and individuals in the energy industries, and presents the material in a user-friendly manner. Even individuals can have an impact on the quest to develop renewable energy sources. The concepts and guidelines described provide critical scientific rationale for pursuing clean and efficient energy sources as well as the knowledge needed to understand the complex issues involved. Woven with real-life situations, the text presents both the advantages and challenges of the different types of renewable energy.
Download or read book Discourses on Sustainability written by Elena V. Shabliy and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2020-09-21 with total page 272 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume presents an in-depth analysis of climate change problems and discusses the proliferation of renewable energy worldwide—in conjunction with such important questions as social justice and economic growth, providing an interdisciplinary approach to sustainable development. Exploring various responses to human-induced climate change, the book offers a critical reflection on climate change and clean energy and highlights the fundamental problems of international energy justice and human rights. Examining these and other climate-related issues from legal, business, political, and scientific perspectives, the volume also analyzes the impact of economic factors and policies on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Download or read book Global Energy Politics written by Thijs Van de Graaf and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2020-05-07 with total page 261 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Ever since the Industrial Revolution energy has been a key driver of world politics. From the oil crises of the 1970s to today’s rapid expansion of renewable energy sources, every shift in global energy patterns has important repercussions for international relations. In this new book, Thijs Van de Graaf and Benjamin Sovacool uncover the intricate ways in which our energy systems have shaped global outcomes in four key areas of world politics: security, the economy, the environment and global justice. Moving beyond the narrow geopolitical focus that has dominated much of the discussion on global energy politics, they also deftly trace the connections between energy, environmental politics, and community activism. The authors argue that we are on the cusp of a global energy shift that promises to be no less transformative for the pursuit of wealth and power in world politics than the historical shifts from wood to coal and from coal to oil. This ongoing energy transformation will not only upend the global balance of power; it could also fundamentally transfer political authority away from the nation state, empowering citizens, regions and local communities. Global Energy Politics will be an essential resource for students of the social sciences grappling with the major energy issues of our times.
Download or read book Renewable Energy Transformation or Fossil Fuel Backlash written by Espen Moe and published by Springer. This book was released on 2016-04-29 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Renewable energy is rising within an energy system dominated by powerful vested energy interests in fossil fuels, nuclear and electric utilities. Analyzing renewables in six very different countries, the author argues that it is the extent to which states have controlled these vested interests that determines the success or failure of renewables.
Download or read book The Economics of Renewable Energy written by Roger Fouquet and published by Edward Elgar Publishing. This book was released on 2018 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This major reference work brings together for the first time key articles on the economics of renewable energy. From a modest role as a backstop technology in the 1970s to a central role in low carbon transitions today, this collection reveals the emergence and growing importance of this sub-field of economics. Topics covered in this timely volume include the costs of renewable power (taking account of issues related to technological development, intermittency and interconnection), policies that promote renewable energy development, its public and private demand, and its impact on the environment and the economy. This indispensable collection is complemented by a comprehensive introduction that will serve as an essential source of reference for students and researchers.
Download or read book The Role of Renewable Energy in Combating Climate Change written by Faisal Jamil and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2024-07-28 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Description of the book "The Role of Renewable Energy in Combating Climate Change" offers a comprehensive exploration of how renewable energy sources can significantly mitigate the impacts of climate change. This book delves into the critical importance of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy, detailing the various types of renewable energy such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass. Each chapter covers different aspects of renewable energy, from historical perspectives and scientific explanations to technological advancements and policy frameworks. Readers will gain an understanding of the science behind climate change and the urgent need for renewable energy. The book highlights the economic, environmental, and social benefits of renewable energy, providing real-world case studies of successful projects worldwide. It also addresses the challenges and barriers to widespread adoption, offering insights into how these obstacles can be overcome through innovation, collaboration, and supportive policies. Furthermore, the book examines the roles of different stakeholders, including individuals, businesses, governments, and grassroots movements, in driving the renewable energy revolution. It emphasizes the potential of renewable energy to transform energy systems, create jobs, and foster sustainable development, especially in developing nations. Ultimately, "The Role of Renewable Energy in Combating Climate Change" serves as both an informative guide and an inspiring call to action for readers to participate in the global effort to build a sustainable and resilient future through renewable energy.
