The Energy Reader by Tom Butler (Editor) › Visit Amazon's Tom Butler Page search results for this author Tom Butler (Editor), George Wuerthner (Editor), Daniel Lerch (Editor), (1-Nov-2012) Paperback

by Tom Butler

Overdevelopment and the Delusion of Endless Growth takes an unflinching look at the environmental devastation created by our thirst for energy—including supposedly “clean” renewable sources. From oil spills, nuclear accidents, and mountaintop-removal coal mining to oversized wind farms and desert-destroying solar power plants, virtually every region of the globe is now experiencing the consequences of out-of-control energy development. Essentially no place is sacred, no landscape safe from the relentless search for energy resources to continue powering a culture based on perpetual growth. Precious wildlands, fragile ecosystems, even our own communities and children’s health are at risk.In a large-format, photo-driven narrative (including 195 color photos), ENERGY features the writings of more than thirty leading thinkers on energy, society, and ecology. Collectively, they lift the veil on the harsh realities of our pursuit of energy at any price, revealing the true costs, benefits, and limitations of all our energy options. Ultimately, the book offers not only a deep critique of the current system that is toxic to nature and people but a hopeful vision for a future energy economy—in which resilience, health, beauty, biodiversity, and durability, not incessant growth, are the organizing principles.

Genres: Politics, Economics

Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[John Kaufmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

As good a book on energy as you'll find (and I've spent 35 years working in the energy field). It is wide-ranging, with contributions from many well-know and respected experts. It is supplemented with full-page photographs to help depict the impacts of the various technologies.

Topics range from the current status of various fuels (oil, coal, natural gas, nuclear, hydro); alternatives such as tar sands, shale gas and shale oil, Arctic oil and gas, deepwater resources, gas hydrates, biofuels, wind; environmental impacts (climate change, water, land use). It talks about Energy Return on Energy Invested (EROI). It deals with alternative agriculture, transportation, electric grid, buildings. There's not much that isn't included here.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Energy ignorance is not bliss.

If you have ever flipped a light switch, consider reading ENERGY: Overdevelopment and the Delusion of Endless Growth, an energy primer with dramatic photos.

Without energy, our lives would come to a screeching standstill so it seems to me that at a minimum we should have a basic understanding of what energy is, where it comes from, and how producing it affects people and the planet.

I discovered ENERGY during my own quest to learn more about how our society generates power and its impact on us and the environment. This book covers energy in an easy to read and understandable manner.

Read the whole review at http://greengroundswell.com/energy-ov...

[Stephen M. Theriault · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with a treasure trove of controversial info which every American should read. If we don't wake up and start addressing climate change, overdevelopment and pollution we will find it is too late!

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of essays meant to bend your mind on the issues of energy.