Description

There are widely differing views regarding solutions to energy and climate change. Energy in a Changing Climate provides an unbiased look at both sides of this debate and addresses what still needs to be done before we can turn to an all renewable energy economy. The book looks at why using renewable energy sources is not quite as simple as it seems. It considers the impact of aggressive emission reduction targets that demand reductions - before we have the technology in place - and the possible risks of such a strategy. The impact of energy changes on both the developed and the developing world, and the need to have solutions that will be widely accepted is discussed. Energy in a Changing Climate considers some of the related political and economic issues that surround the debate, such as emissions trading, emissions taxing, offset schemes, incentives, and regulations - with a description and comparison of each. It discusses what the energy mix might look like over the next few decades and what would be needed before we can have an all-renewable energy future. The book also looks at the thorny issue of nuclear power and its place in the total equation. Energy in a Changing Climate explains many commonly used terms like renewable energy, base-load power, peak oil, biofuels, global warming, greenhouse gas emissions, energy security, emissions trading, carbon taxes, and carbon offsets. It offers practical solutions for saving energy in the home, workplace, and on the road. It is a book for the non-technical reader who wants a better understanding of energy and its impact on climate change.