
Energy
Joseph M. Dukert(Author)
Greenwood Press
Published on 30. December 2008
Book
Hardback
240 pages
978-0-313-34877-8 (ISBN)
Description
Energy: We want it affordable, we want it available in ample quantities and from reliable sources, and we want it to be produced and used in ways that are safe and environmentally benign. In other words, we want plenty of energy too cheap to meter and with no impact on the environment. Ha! With a refreshing lack of bias, this book dissects all major sources of energy, from oil and coal to renewables like solar and wind power. In an easy, understandable style, energy expert Joseph Dukert explains how each fits into the overall global energy mix that powers everything from automobiles and appliances to assembly lines and space stations.
As Dukert details, all energy sources have pluses and minuses. Those who champion any single energy source (or even energy efficiency by itself) as the sole answer to our energy problems are off track, he argues, as are the cynics who condemn one source or another or pooh-pooh the threat of global warming. In short, we need every significant source of energy we have today, while also making greater efforts to improve the efficiency of energy production and energy consumption.
Dukert also explores the choices made by individuals, businesses, and society as each group juggles conflicting, interconnected factors: affordability, reliability, adequacy of supply, environmental concerns, and time. In explaining why there's no magic bullet solution to the energy crisis, the author blends simple technical descriptions, economics, and real-world politics. Besides providing a cogent overview of a huge-and hugely important-industry, this short, comprehensive volume helps readers decide for themselves which choices are in their best interest. As Dukert suggests, energy independence is probably not a realistic goal for any country, but the search for a dynamic, practical energy balance can nonetheless result in a wiser national energy policy.
As Dukert details, all energy sources have pluses and minuses. Those who champion any single energy source (or even energy efficiency by itself) as the sole answer to our energy problems are off track, he argues, as are the cynics who condemn one source or another or pooh-pooh the threat of global warming. In short, we need every significant source of energy we have today, while also making greater efforts to improve the efficiency of energy production and energy consumption.
Dukert also explores the choices made by individuals, businesses, and society as each group juggles conflicting, interconnected factors: affordability, reliability, adequacy of supply, environmental concerns, and time. In explaining why there's no magic bullet solution to the energy crisis, the author blends simple technical descriptions, economics, and real-world politics. Besides providing a cogent overview of a huge-and hugely important-industry, this short, comprehensive volume helps readers decide for themselves which choices are in their best interest. As Dukert suggests, energy independence is probably not a realistic goal for any country, but the search for a dynamic, practical energy balance can nonetheless result in a wiser national energy policy.
Reviews / Votes
"Dukert's book stands out as an authoritative, wide-ranging treatment of energy, well suited as a core resource for undergraduate courses or general audiences. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All collections." - Choice "In view of the tumultuous history of energy prices, the growth in energy demand in emerging markets, rising geopolitical resource nationalism, the perceived conflicts between energy security and environmental concerns, the need for such a book is a no-brainer. Dukert pushes the reader to explore the thought process and tradeoffs that underlie the statement of such goals as 'we want affordable energy to be available in ample quantities from reliable sources that are safe and environmentally benign when we want it.'"- The Energy Journal
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 240 mm
Width: 161 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
531 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-313-34877-8 (9780313348778)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Person
Joseph M. Dukert, PhD, a political economist, has been an independent energy analyst and consultant for more than forty years. He is regarded widely as the outstanding authority on interdependence in the North American energy market. His expertise covers both technical developments and economics in all energy sources as well as energy efficiency. A Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, he was named several years ago as a Senior Fellow of the U.S. Association for Energy Economics and is President of that 1000-member organization for 2009. He has also served as Senior Advisor to the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation and as a consultant to the International Energy Agency of the OECD.
Content
Series Foreword Preface Chapter 1. Energy in the Balance Chapter 2. How Much Is Enough? Chapter 3. How Much Does It Cost? Chapter 4. Reliability of Supply Chapter 5. Environmental Factors Chapter 6. Time, the Often Overlooked Factor Chapter 7. Energy Policy and Its Economic Implications Chapter 8. Looking Ahead to Sustainable Development Glossary