Energy Demand and Climate Change
Issues and Resolutions
1. Edition April 2009
XVI, 251 Pages, Softcover
30 Pictures (7 Colored Figures)
General Reading
Short Description
This scientifically sound, yet easily readable book provides the fundamentals necessary to understand today's energy and climate problems and provides possible answers based on current technology. Moreover, it introduces new concepts that are already or may soon be realized.
This scientifically sound, yet easily readable book provides the fundamentals necessary to understand today's energy and climate problems and provides possible answers based on current technology such as solar, water and geothermal power. Moreover, it introduces the reader to new concepts that are already or may soon be realized, such as nuclear fusion or a hydrogen-based economy.
Aimed at a wide readership ranging from educated laypeople and students to practitioners in engineering and environmental science.
Prologue
PART I: QUESTIONS
Introduction
Ancient Days and Modern Times
Ice Ages - Past and Future
Global Warming versus Returning Glaciers
Earth's Fossil Fuel Supply
Nuclear Power
PART II: ANSWERS
Introduction
Solar Energy
Wind, Waves, and Tides
Going with the Flow: Water, Dams, and Hydropower
Geothermal Energy: Energy from the Earth Itself
Efficiency, Conservation, and Hybrid Cars
Energy Storage: Macro to Micro
Green Fuel: Biodiesel, Alcohol, and Biomass
PART III: DREAMS
Introduction
Breeding Nuclear Fuel
Nuclear Fusion: Engine of the Sun
Power from the Ocean: Thermal and Salinity Gradients
Fuel Cells: Hydrogen, Alcohol, and Coal
Magnetohydrodynamics and Power Plants
Thermionics and the Single Fuel Home
Artificial Photosynthesis and Water Splitting
Planetary Engineering and Terraforming
Space Solar Power: Energy and the Final Frontier
PART IV: NIGHTMARES
Introduction
Alternative Futures
ORBITuary? Disasters That Could Occur