The Rough Guide To The Energy Crisis

The Rough Guide to the Energy Crisis is a comprehensive guide to the workings of today's energy world, explaining the seductive nature of fossil fuels and the reasons why international climate change negotiations are proving so difficult. If you're interested in escaping the trap of fossil fuels and moving to a low carbon world, this is the guide for you. Realistically looking at the pitfalls, pressures and prospects for renewable energy, The Rough Guide to the Energy Crisis also shows that there is hope in new energy conservation techniques, made possible by smart grids and smart metering. You'll also discover energy security issues and future tensions that could occur, like the possibility of the lights going out, jeopardising public support for a world of cleaner energy.

Climate Change is forcing us to re-think our use of fossil fuels - the oil, coal, and gas that we have depended upon for generations. A rising global population means that there is an unprecedented level of demand on the world's energy resources. And there are still desperately poor areas of the world that remain unconnected to a national grid. The Rough Guide to the Energy Crisis examines these important issues, and explains the many challenges facing energy today, and explores possible solutions. KEY TOPICS INCLUDE: -Energy today: We take our energy for granted. But what do we use, and where does it come from? -Peak Oil: How long do we have before oil production peaks? Has it peaked already? -Renewables: Can wind turbines, solar panels, and wave and tidal power really keep the lights on? -Nuclear: How safe are the power plants? And can you be a pro-nuclear green? -Climate Change: Our energy use has environmental consequences. Are their technological answers? And can our lifestyles adapt? Keeping the planet safe while keeping the world moving is perhaps the most important challenge we currently face. The Rough Guide to the Energy Crisis examines the many sides of this problem, and how it could be approached, with erudition and accessibility.

From the opening and closing of oceans over millions of years to the overnight reshaping of landscapes by volcanoes, the Earth beneath our feet is constantly changing. The Rough Guide to the Earth explores all aspects of our dynamic planet, from the planet’s origins and evolution and the seasons and tides to melting ice caps, glaciers and climate change. Featuring many spectacular images and helpful diagrams, this Rough Guide provides a fascinating and accessible introduction to Earth science.

The financial crisis and resulting global problems have dramatically demonstrated the importance of economics to everyday life. The Rough Guide to Economics explains the basics of the subject in an engaging, accessible, yet rigorous way and demonstrates the power of economic models when explaining the activities of consumers, businesses, governments, and the economy in general. Learn all you need to know about supply and demand, equilibrium, inflation, growth, and international trade, as well as markets, competition, and the development of economic thought with The Rough Guide to Economics. Now available in ePub format.

The Rough Guide to Surviving the End of the World is a light-hearted yet well-informed look at threats to the very existence of life on Earth, how we might be able to deal with them and-if things go truly, horribly wrong-how we might just be able to survive. Written by scientist and sci fan Paul Parsons, this gripping book examines scenarios ranging from megafloods to space radiation, supervolcanoes to bioengineering and what you should do when the sh*t hits the fan. Along the way, we meet some of the lesser-trodden paths to oblivion, including the possibility that the human race will be gripped by mass stupidity and the outrageous idea that life on Earth could all be one giant Matrix-style computer simulation that its creators might one day decide to switch off. All are placed under the scientific spotlight and presented with clarity and humor. To survive Armageddon you need the best advice and information available, which is here presented in ample detail and capturing every plausible catastrophic scenario. Now available in ePub format.

Who Turned Out the Lights? is an entertaining and nonpartisan guide to the current U.S. energy crisis from Scott Bittle and Jean Johnson, coauthors of the breakout bestseller Where Does the Money Go? At once light-hearted and fun—like Jon Stewart’s America: The Book and Stephen Colbert’s I am America (and So Can You!)—and deadly serious, Who Turned Out the Lights? helps readers understand what’s really at stake in the energy debate, an intelligent answer to the partisan Capital Hill squabbling between the “Drill, Baby, Drill” and “Every Day is Earth Day” lobbies.

This book focuses on nanotechnology in electrocatalysis for energy applications. In particular the book covers nanostructured electrocatalysts for low temperature fuel cells, low temperature electrolyzers and electrochemical valorization. The function of this book is to provide an introduction to basic principles of electrocatalysis, together with a review of the main classes of materials and electrode architectures. This book will illustrate the basic ideas behind material design and provide an introductory sketch of current research focuses. The easy-to-follow three part book focuses on major formulas, concepts and philosophies. This book is ideal for professionals and researchers interested in the field of electrochemistry, renewable energy and electrocatalysis.

The Rough Guide to New England is the definitive handbook to this picturesque region. Features include: bull; bull;Full-colour section introducing New England's highlights. bull;Expert accounts of the region's wealth of attractions, from Boston and the Berkshires to the windswept Maine coast. bull;In-depth reviews of hundreds of hotels, restaurants, bars, and clubs, to suit all tastes and budgets. bull;Practical tips on exploring the outdoors, whether hiking the northern Appalachian Trail, skiing in Vermont, or viewing fall foliage nearly anywhere. bull;Informed background on New England's history and culture, with literary extracts from Thoreau and others. bull;Maps and plans for the entire region.