Synopses & Reviews
Presented here for the first time is a comprehensive, single-volume treatment of all the important aspects of biospheric civilizational energetics. The author uses measurements of energy and power densities and intensities throughout to provide an integrated framework of analysis. All segments of energetics are examined, including planetary energetics (solar radiation and geomorphic processes) and bioenergetics (photosynthesis) to human energetics (metabolism and thermoregulation) traced from hunting-gathering and agricultural societies through modern day industrial civilization. Concludes with general patterns, trends and socio-economic considerations of energy use today plus their impact on the environment.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 327-356) and index.
Table of Contents
The Universal Link: Energetics and Energy.
Planetary Energetics: Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, Lithosphere.
Photosynthesis: Energetics of Primary Production.
Heterotrophic Conversions: Consumer Energetics.
Human Energetics: Nutrition, Metabolism, and Activity.
Man as a Simple Heterotroph: Gathering, Hunting, and Fishing.
Man as a Solar Farmer: Traditional Agricultures.
Preindustrial Complexification: Prime Movers and Fuels in Traditional Societies.
Fossil Fuels: Heat and Prime Movers.
Fossil-Fueled Civilization: Patterns, Trends, Costs.
Energetics of Food: Modern Farming and Food Consumption.
Environmental Implications: Necessities and Consequences.
Energetic Correlates: Complexities of High-Energy Civilization.
Grand Patterns: Energetic--and Other--Essentials.
Appendix.
References.
Index.