Leigh Kimmel’s Reviews > Energy and Civilization: A History > Status Update

The kinetic energy of arrows vs bullets vs rockets

Energy and weapons development -- and the problem of not just training, but building for the last war. Massed tank formations aren't so useful against terrorists who melt into the population.

The effect of Chinese industrialization on energy demands.

The critical impact of electricity on human activity, particularly for women. Electric appliances have greatly lightened the load of women, and reduced the danger of everyday housework (particularly the risk of burns). Also the importance of air conditioning to life in hot climates.

The development of the service sector as a result of fewer people being needed to produce basic necessities such as food and clothing.

Economic growth and energy intensity -- and urbanization, which has its own effects upon energy generation and utilization.

Patterns of growth in various industries. Moore's Law and its effect upon information technology. Comparing cell phones and automobiles. Looking at ordinary things in new ways.

The development of modern communications systems, especially telephony and radio.

How the Industrial Revolution was more of a process than an event. Not a sharp break, but evolutionary development

The growing importance of *control* of transportation and other technology. A runaway team of horses could cause damage but a runaway train or an airplane crash could cause widespread havoc because of the far greater amounts of energy involved, requiring procedural rules to prevent such disasters.