Green energy promises an alluring future---more jobs in a cleaner environment. We will enjoy a new economy driven by clean electricity, less pollution, and, of course, the gratitude of generations to come. There's just one problem: the lack of credible evidence that any of that can occur. --

We don’t have an energy crisis. We have a consumption crisis. And this book, which takes aim at cherished assumptions regarding energy, offers refreshingly straight talk about what’s wrong with the way we think and talk about the problem. Though we generally believe we can solve environmental problems with more energy—more solar cells, wind turbines, and biofuels—alternative technologies come with their own side effects and limitations. How, for instance, do solar cells cause harm? Why can’t engineers solve wind power’s biggest obstacle? Why won’t contraception solve the problem of overpopulation lying at the heart of our concerns about energy, and what will? This practical, environmentally informed, and lucid book persuasively argues for a change of perspective. If consumption is the problem, as Ozzie Zehner suggests, then we need to shift our focus from suspect alternative energies to improving social and political fundamentals: walkable communities, improved consumption, enlightened governance, and, most notably, women’s rights. The dozens of first steps he offers are surprisingly straightforward. For instance, he introduces a simple sticker that promises a greater impact than all of the nation’s solar cells. He uncovers why carbon taxes won’t solve our energy challenges (and presents two taxes that could). Finally, he explores how future environmentalists will focus on similarly fresh alternatives that are affordable, clean, and can actually improve our well-being. Watch a book trailer.

Brings together disparate conversations about wildlife conservation and renewable energy, suggesting ways these two critical fields can work hand in hand. Renewable energy is often termed simply "green energy," but its effects on wildlife and other forms of biodiversity can be quite complex. While capturing renewable resources like wind, solar, and energy from biomass can require more land than fossil fuel production, potentially displacing wildlife habitat, renewable energy infrastructure can also create habitat and promote species health when thoughtfully implemented. The authors of Renewable Energy and Wildlife Conservation argue that in order to achieve a balanced plan for addressing these two crucially important sustainability issues, our actions at the nexus of these fields must be directed by current scientific information related to the ecological effects of renewable energy production. Synthesizing an extensive, rapidly growing base of research and insights from practitioners into a single, comprehensive resource, contributors to this volume • describe processes to generate renewable energy, focusing on the Big Four renewables—wind, bioenergy, solar energy, and hydroelectric power • review the documented effects of renewable energy production on wildlife and wildlife habitats • consider current and future policy directives, suggesting ways industrial-scale renewables production can be developed to minimize harm to wildlife populations • explain recent advances in renewable power technologies • identify urgent research needs at the intersection of renewables and wildlife conservation Relevant to policy makers and industry professionals—many of whom believe renewables are the best path forward as the world seeks to meet its expanding energy needs—and wildlife conservationists—many of whom are alarmed at the rate of renewables-related habitat conversion—this detailed book culminates with a chapter underscoring emerging opportunities in renewable energy ecology. Contributors: Edward B. Arnett, Brian B. Boroski, Regan Dohm, David Drake, Sarah R. Fritts, Rachel Greene, Steven M. Grodsky, Amanda M. Hale, Cris D. Hein, Rebecca R. Hernandez, Jessica A. Homyack, Henriette I. Jager, Nicole M. Korfanta, James A. Martin, Christopher E. Moorman, Clint Otto, Christine A. Ribic, Susan P. Rupp, Jake Verschuyl, Lindsay M. Wickman, T. Bently Wigley, Victoria H. Zero

Green Energy is becoming an important component for all individuals and governments of the world. According to the Brundtland Commission Report (Our Common Future, 1987) of the United Nations, "Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Green Energy is widely considered to be sustainable energy/ re-newable energy that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In the global movement of Green Energy Sustainable Renewable Energy, most of the countries decided to be a part of this movement to save our planet and future generation. This effort is supported by 11 international authors who are experts in their respective fields. The output is this book, Green Energy, comprised of six chapters. The first chapter discusses how global temperature can be controlled with the help of technology. Chapter Two explains the costs and benefits of green houses. The third chapter discusses biofuels, and the fourth chapter discusses technical feasibility of Renewable Electricity Generation in Nunavut. Chapter Five presents a summary of 15 years of a grass root project experience in partnership with impoverished, remote high altitude communities in the Nepal Himalayas. The last chapter argues that, contrary to popular belief, sustainable sources, in particular solar power, are capable of providing all the energy that Europe needs at reasonable cost.

Despite the urgent need for action, there is a widespread lack of understanding of the benefits of using green energy sources for not only reducing carbon emissions and climate change, but also for growing a sustainable economy and society. Future citizens of the world face increasing sustainability issues and need to be better prepared for energy transformation and sustainable future economic development. Cases on Green Energy and Sustainable Development is a critical research book that focuses on the important role renewable energy and energy efficiency play in energy transition and sustainable development and covers economic and promotion policies of major renewable energy and energy-efficiency technologies. Highlighting a wide range of topics such as economics, energy storage, and transportation technologies, this book is ideal for environmentalists, academicians, researchers, engineers, policymakers, and students.

It is no secret that the United States' dependence on oil -- mostly foreign -- puts the country in a precarious position. The United States needs innovative ways not only to power millions of automobiles on its highways but also to secure sustainable sources of fuel for the future. This book presents the latest facts and figures about alternative energy to any physicist, engineer, policymaker, or concerned citizen who needs a reliable source of information on the nation's looming energy crisis. Philip G. Gallman focuses especially on green vehicles and the interrelationship between their design and various energy sources. He explains simply and clearly the complex energy and automotive engineering issues involved in developing green vehicles, measures their likely effect on energy resource demand, and considers what they might mean for national energy strategy. Addressing problems associated with renewable resources often overlooked or ignored in the popular press, Gallman explains what replacing oil with alternative sources of energy realistically entails. Can the nation satisfy its energy demands with wind turbines, solar power, hydroelectric power, or geothermal power? Is biodiesel or electricity the answer to our gas-guzzling ways? Organized logically and with an accessible narrative, Green Alternatives and National Energy Strategy guides readers through the essential questions and hurdles the United States must answer and overcome to transition from a petroleum-dependent nation to one that runs on sustainable, renewable energy.

Renewable energy in the twenty-first century -- Energy transitions : fire to electricity -- The rise of renewables -- Renewable wind energy -- Renewable solar energy -- Financing renewable energy -- Energy transitions : oats to oil -- The rise of electric vehicles -- Parity -- Convergence -- Consequences -- No time to lose