Synopses & Reviews
Many experts agree that energy is the defining issue of this century. Economic recessions, foreign wars, and foreclosures are only a few of the results of Americaand#8217;s dependence on oil. In
Terra Nova, ecologist Eric Sanderson elucidates the interconnections between oil and money, cars and transportation, and suburbs and land use. He then charts a path toward renewed economic growth, enhanced national security, revitalized communities, and a sustainable environment: a new form of the American Dream.
Taking a uniquely cross-disciplinary, accessible approach, Sanderson delves into natural history, architecture, chemistry, and politics, to show how the American relationship to nature shaped our past and predicates our future. Illustrated throughout with maps, charts, and infographics, the book suggests how we achieve a better world through a self-reinforcing cycle of tax reform, retrofitted towns and cities, bicycles and streetcars, and investment in renewable energy.
Praise for Terra Nova:
and#147;If youand#8217;re going to read one book on the end of oil and the future of energy, make it this one. Eric Sanderson has thought deeply about the impact of our petroleum-dependent economy, how we got here, and where weand#8217;re headed. You may not agree with everything you read here, but this book should be the launching point for a desperately needed discussion about our modern way of life.and#8221; and#151;Daniel H. Pink, New York Times bestselling author of Drive and To Sell Is Human
and#147;The highly readable text is complemented by illustrations, including maps, statistical tables, and extensive notes. VERDICT: The information supplied here would be difficult to find elsewhere. This book is recommended for all readers interested in the future of the United States and for both public and academic library collections.and#8221;
and#151;Library Journal
and#160;
and#147;Likening oil, cars, and suburbs to modern-day Sirens, those and#145;beautiful winged monstersand#8217; that tempted Odysseus with their songs, conservation ecologist Sanderson (Mannahatta) discourages an over-reliance on these things in this well-intentioned cautionary volume. The comparison is an ambitious one he employs throughout, believing they could doom Americans the way the Sirens would have doomed Odysseus, had he succumbed to their choruses . . . . Sanderson commendably outlines and#145;a new way of life . . . designed to sustain American prosperity, health, and freedom for generations to come,and#8217; but whether his suggestions or admonitions will be taken seriously is another matter entirely.and#8221;
and#151;Publishers Weekly
and#160;
Review
"So what is to be done? Well, plenty, all of it involving a great change of 'energy lifestyles' and all of it certain to cause pain. A disturbing geopolitical survey of the world energy landscape." Kirkus Reviews
Review
"[H]as strong appeal for those with a general interest in energy....[P]olicy-oriented readers willing to set aside Roberts' politics will understand him to be exceedingly well informed about the energy issue." Gilbert Taylor, Booklist
Synopsis
Petroleum is now so deeply entrenched in our economy, our politics, and our personal expectations that even modest efforts to phase it out are fought tooth and nail by the most powerful forces in the world: companies and governments that depend on oil revenues; the developing nations that see oil as the only means to industrial success; and a Western middle class that refuses to modify its energy-dependent lifestyle. But within thirty years, by even conservative estimates, we will have burned our way through most of the oil that is easily accessible. And well before then, the side effects of an oil-based society economic volatility, geopolitical conflict, and the climate-changing impact of hydrocarbon pollution will render fossil fuels an all but unacceptable solution. How will we break our addiction to oil? And what will we use in its place to maintain a global economy and political system that are entirely reliant on cheap, readily available energy?
Brilliantly reported from around the globe, The End of Oil brings the world situation into fresh and dramatic focus for business and general readers alike. Roberts talks to both oil optimists and oil pessimists, delves deep into the economics and politics of oil, considers the promises and pitfalls of altenatives, and shows that, although the world energy system has begun its epoch-defining transition, disruption and violent dislocation are almost assured if we do not take a more proactive stance.
With the topicality and readability of Fast Food Nation and the scope and trenchant analysis of Guns, Germs, and Steel, this is a vitally important book for the new century.
Synopsis
Roberts delves deep into the economics and politics of oil, considers the promises and pitfalls of alternatives, and shows that disruption and violent dislocation are almost assured if the public does not take a more proactive stance.
Synopsis
A frank and balanced investigation of the economics and politics of oil—and a forward-looking assessment of a world without it.
Within thirty years, even by conservative estimates, we will have burned our way through most of the oil that is readily available to us. Already, the costly side effects of dependence on fossil fuel are taking their toll. Even as oil-related conflict threatens entire nations, individual consumers are suffering from higher prices at the gas pump, rising health problems, and the grim prospect of long-term environmental damage. In The End of Oil, Paul Roberts offers a brisk and timely wake-up call and considers the promises and pitfalls of alternatives such as wind power, hybrid cars, and hydrogen, making this essential reading for anyone looking to understand and react to the energy crisis at hand.
About the Author
Paul Roberts has written for the New York Times Magazine and is a regular contributor to Harper's Magazine.
Table of Contents
Contents Prologue 1 Part I: The Free Ride 1 Lighting the Fire 21 2 The Last of the Easy Oil 44 3 The Futures So Bright 66 4 Energy Is Power 91 5 Too Hot 116 Part II: On the Road to Nowhere 6 Give the People What They Want 143 7 Big Oil Gets Anxious 165 8 And Now for Something Completely Different 188 9 Less Is More 213 Part III: Into the Blue 10 Energy Security 237 11 The Invisible Hand 259 12 Digging In Our Heels 281 13 How Do We Get There? 307 Notes 335 Bibliography 350 Acknowledgments 359 Index 361