Energy
A Beginner's Guide
2nd Edition
Published on 5. January 2017
240 pages
978-1-78607-134-7 (ISBN)
Description
With one famous equation, E=mc2, Einstein proved all matter can be described as energy. It is everywhere and it is everything.
In this newly updated and engaging introduction, renowned scientist Vaclav Smil explores energy in all its facets - from the inner workings of the human body to what we eat, the car we drive and the race for more efficient and eco-friendly fuels.
Energy: A Beginner's Guide highlights the importance of energy in both past and present societies, by shedding light on the science behind global warming and efforts to prevent it, and by revealing how our daily decisions affect energy consumption. Whether you're looking for dinner table conversation or to further your own understanding, this book will amaze and inform, uncovering the truths and exposing the myths behind one of the most important concepts in our universe.
In this newly updated and engaging introduction, renowned scientist Vaclav Smil explores energy in all its facets - from the inner workings of the human body to what we eat, the car we drive and the race for more efficient and eco-friendly fuels.
Energy: A Beginner's Guide highlights the importance of energy in both past and present societies, by shedding light on the science behind global warming and efforts to prevent it, and by revealing how our daily decisions affect energy consumption. Whether you're looking for dinner table conversation or to further your own understanding, this book will amaze and inform, uncovering the truths and exposing the myths behind one of the most important concepts in our universe.
Reviews / Votes
'There is no author whose books I look forward to more than Vaclav Smil' -- Bill Gates 'This book is about physical rather than social sciences. It explores important topics around how energy works, how our production and use might evolve, and how this affects climate change.' -- Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook 'A breath of fresh air and a gem in the bookshop. Rich in thoughtful insights and written in sparkling prose.' -- Professor David G. Victor - School of Global Policy and Strategy, UC San DiegoMore details
Series
Edition
2nd edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
File size
4,78 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-78607-134-7 (9781786071347)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Person
Vaclav Smil is Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Faculty of Environment at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada. He has written 40 books and nearly 500 papers on energy, environment and technical advances. In 2010 he was named by Foreign Policy magazine as one of the Top 100 Global Thinkers, in 2014 he became the Member of the Order of Canada and in 2015 he received the OPEC Award for Research.
Content
- Intro
- Title Page
- Dedication
- Contents
- List of Figures
- 1: Energy in our minds: concepts and measures
- 2: Energy in the biosphere: how nature works
- 3: Energy in human history: muscles, tools, and machines
- 4: Energy in the modern world: fossil-fueled civilization
- 5: Energy in everyday life: from eating to emailing
- 6: Energy in the future: trends and unknowns
- Further readings and data sources
- Index
- Copyright
