Power shift : from fossil energy to dynamic solar power

Stayton, Robert. (Author). Sallo, Todd, (illustrator.).

Summary: "Power Shift's breakthrough insight is that human civilization has embarked on a great transformation from static fossil energy to dynamic solar power, altering the basic relationship between humans and energy. This shift is so fundamental that it defines a new historical epoch, and looms as large as the discovery of fire, the development of agriculture, and the exploitation of fossil fuels. Today few are aware that this new epoch has already begun. Written for a general audience, Power Shift explains this insight by retelling the story of humans in terms of energy. It shows how energy defined our species and supported our expansive takeover of Planet Earth. It clearly outlines our current energy dilemma, and the way forward."--Publisher's description.

Record details

ISBN: 9780990479208
ISBN: 099047920X
ISBN: 9780990479215
ISBN: 0990479218
ISBN: 9780990479222
ISBN: 0990479226
Physical Description: print
x, 335 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm
Publisher: Santa Cruz, CA : Sandstone Publishing, [2015]
Copyright: ©2015

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 297-323) and index.

Formatted Contents Note:

HOW WE GOT HERE. Energy defines us -- How we became the energy-using animal -- The wood energy epoch -- The fossil fuel epoch -- Fossil fuels and heat engines advanced the human race -- OUR ENERGY DILEMMA. Modern energy consumers -- Fossil fuels put us in a bind -- Crucial decision point on energy -- Eliminate modern energy -- Clean coal -- Nuclear energy -- SOLAR IS THE ONE. Solar energy -- Energy storage -- Energy efficiency -- Solar PV will be the biggest solar -- The compelling economics of solar PV -- The price of solar PV is dropping -- A PLAN. How much solar is needed? -- Exponential growth -- Electrification -- Transition gradually and gracefully -- THE PURSUIT OF PERMANENT POWER. Shift to power sources -- The solar epoch begins -- What holds us back? -- The way forward : individual action -- Time to act.