Power traces how humans have come to overpower the earth's natural systems and to oppress one another, with catastrophic consequences. We must rapidly re-learn the lessons of power self-limitation rooted in evolution and human history if we are to stave off ecological and social collapse and enjoy a thriving future.
The book critically examines the environmental impact of humanity's insatiable demand for energy, revealing the hidden costs of both traditional and renewable sources. It highlights the destructive consequences of oil spills, nuclear disasters, and invasive energy projects like wind farms and solar plants on ecosystems and communities worldwide. The narrative emphasizes that no landscape is immune to the repercussions of unchecked energy development, threatening precious ecosystems, wildlands, and even public health in the pursuit of continuous growth.
This diverse collection by best-selling authors, renowned scientists, and experienced activists is an engaging and practical book that will be of interest to the lay reader as well as university students in both graduate and undergraduate courses.The expert contributors to The Post Carbon Reader were asked to unflinchingly describe the deep and interconnected sustainability crises confronting humanity in the 21st century—and then give readers concrete steps for addressing those crises.This unprecedented collection of writings (34 essays, 4 previously published) is an honest, informed and engaging exploration of the most challenging issues of our time. It includes chapters by best-selling authors like climate activist Bill McKibben, renowned scholars like "ecological footprint" co-founder William Rees, and up-and-coming experts like urban food systems pioneer Erika Allen. Lead editor Richard Heinberg is the world's leading author of mass-market books on fossil fuel dependence and depletion. Heinberg says, "We've run out of time, natural resources and capital, so this is our only chance to get things right."
Oil, War and the Fate of Industrial Societies - Revised and Updated Edition
The world is on the brink of a significant shift as cheap oil runs out and global production peaks in the coming years. Even with a transition to alternative energy sources, industrial societies will face diminishing net energy, impacting their ability to function. This marks the beginning of a new era, distinct from the industrial age, as Richard Heinberg explores in his work. He contextualizes this transition by tracing the rise of industrialism through fossil fuel use and examining how competition for oil influenced twentieth-century geopolitics. The struggle for dwindling energy resources is expected to spark resource wars in regions like the Middle East and Central Asia. Heinberg discusses the consequences of oil depletion and evaluates various energy alternatives. He warns of chaos unless the United States collaborates globally on resource conservation and sharing. He advocates for a "managed collapse" to facilitate a sustainable, low-energy future. His engaging narrative provides a comprehensive look at the social implications of these changes and offers actionable recommendations for individuals and communities. Heinberg, an experienced writer on energy issues and cultural dynamics, serves as a crucial voice in understanding the implications of the declining oil era and its influence on U.S. foreign policy.
Die Öl-Spitzenförderung ist bereits überschritten, während der weltweite Verbrauch weiter steigt. Im Juli 2008 erreichte der Rohölpreis über 140 Dollar pro Barrel, eine Verdopplung innerhalb eines Jahres und ein Anstieg um das 4,4-fache in vier Jahren. Prognosen deuten auf weiter steigende Preise hin, da die Endlichkeit der Erdölvorräte zunehmend spürbar wird – ein Schock für die globale Wirtschaft, die bisher auf unbegrenzte Ölverfügbarkeit setzte. Die Verknappung von Öl ist nun eine reale Herausforderung. Richard Heinberg, ein anerkannter Experte für „Peak Oil“, belegt durch unabhängige geologische Recherchen, dass der Höhepunkt der Ölförderung bereits erreicht ist, während der Bedarf an „flüssigem Gold“ unaufhörlich wächst. Er präsentiert Alternativen zur Erdölgesellschaft, deren Zeit längst überfällig ist. Dieses Buch bietet allen, die die aktuelle wirtschaftliche und energiepolitische Entwicklung verstehen und aufmerksam verfolgen möchten, die notwendigen Fakten. Die aktualisierte Neuausgabe enthält Heinbergs bestätigte Prognosen sowie aktuelle Informationen zu Energieverbrauch, Erdölabhängigkeit und Erdölsubstitution in Deutschland.