Earth: The Operators' Manual

by Richard B. Alley

Since the discovery of fire, humans have been energy users and always will be. And this is a good thing-our mastery of energy is what separates us from the rest of the animal kingdom and has allowed us to be the dominant species on the planet. However, this mastery comes with a we are changing our environment in a profoundly negative way by heating it up.Using one engaging story after another, coupled with accessible scientific facts, world authority Richard B. Alley explores the fascinating history of energy use by humans over the centuries, gives a doubt-destroying proof that already-high levels of carbon dioxide are causing damaging global warming, and surveys the alternative energy options that are available to exploit right now. These new energy sources might well be the engines for economic growth in the twenty-first century.

Genres: Nonfiction

496 pages, ebook

First published April 18, 2011

Reviews

[Don · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the book was a little difficult to read (still getting acquainted with more scientific reading, so that may be my issue more than the book), I found it enjoyable, and packed with information. I really found the book focusing on energy systems, how energy is created, used, preserved, etc. The author then makes the point of how our current energy use is unsustainable, as how climate change will affect our current energy systems. He then gives his proposed solutions. While I don't doubt the science behind his solutions, there are probably a myriad of political issues with getting them accomplished, not to mention other environmental concerns. But regardless of those things, its a book that provides a lot of information on how we use our planet, how climate change is affecting that, and adds in a constructive way to that discussion, which is very much needed in our world today.

[Pete · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is certainly an agenda here in this book. However, it appears that he presents a solid argument based on our current understanding of science.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dense, but well written and with a more hopeful twist than most nonfiction dedicated to climate and energy.