Sustainable Fossil Fuels: The Unusual Suspect in the Quest for Clean and Enduring Energy

by Mark Jaccard

More and more people believe we must quickly wean ourselves from fossil fuels - oil, natural gas and coal - to save the planet from environmental catastrophe, wars and economic collapse. In this 2006 book, Professor Jaccard argues that this view is misguided. We have the technological capability to use fossil fuels without emitting climate-threatening greenhouse gases or other pollutants. The transition from conventional oil and gas to their unconventional sources including coal for producing electricity, hydrogen and cleaner-burning fuels will decrease energy dependence on politically unstable regions. In addition, our vast fossil fuel resources will be the cheapest source of clean energy for the next century and perhaps longer, which is critical for the economic and social development of the world's poorer countries. By buying time for increasing energy efficiency, developing renewable energy technologies and making nuclear power more attractive, fossil fuels will play a key role in humanity's quest for a sustainable energy system.

Genres: Nonfiction

398 pages, Paperback

First published January 18, 2002

Reviews

[Moses · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book, and very helpful. However, it was very complicated and a bit stuffy. It didn't help that my mental rev limiter is set at an artificially low rpm level.