Green Illusions: The Dirty Secrets of Clean Energy and the Future of EnvironmentalismWe 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. |
From inside the book
Results 1-5 of 35
Page
... wind turbines , and biofuels ? Think again . . . . In this thought - provoking and deeply researched critique of popular ' green ' solutions , Zehner makes a convincing case that such alternatives won't solve our energy problems ; in ...
... wind turbines , and biofuels ? Think again . . . . In this thought - provoking and deeply researched critique of popular ' green ' solutions , Zehner makes a convincing case that such alternatives won't solve our energy problems ; in ...
Page 3
... energy-efficient light- ing, walkable communities, or suburban sprawl. They didn't address population, consumption, or capitalism. They instead pasted together images of wind turbines, solar cells, biofuels, and elec- tric cars. When ...
... energy-efficient light- ing, walkable communities, or suburban sprawl. They didn't address population, consumption, or capitalism. They instead pasted together images of wind turbines, solar cells, biofuels, and elec- tric cars. When ...
Page 4
... power production . As a society , we have done the same . The seductive tales of wind turbines , solar cells , and biofu- els foster the impression that with a few technical upgrades , we might just sustain our current energy ...
... power production . As a society , we have done the same . The seductive tales of wind turbines , solar cells , and biofu- els foster the impression that with a few technical upgrades , we might just sustain our current energy ...
Page 32
You have reached your viewing limit for this book.
You have reached your viewing limit for this book.
Page 34
You have reached your viewing limit for this book.
You have reached your viewing limit for this book.
Contents
From Here to There | 147 |
The Future of Environmentalism | 185 |
A Grander Narrative? | 343 |
Resources for Future Environmentalists | 349 |
Notes | 355 |
Index | 415 |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
advertising alternative-energy American argue benefits bicycling bike biochar biofuel Black and Veatch build California capacity factors carbon cities claim clean climate change coal communities consume corporate costs cultural David Department of Energy economic Economist efficiency electricity emissions energy consumption energy production environment environmental environmentalists ergy ethanol expensive fossil fossil-fuel fuel cells funding future global green grid growth Hanford human hydrogen hydrogen economy impact increase industry Institute journalists kids less limitations living million National natural gas nuclear power percent photovoltaic Policy political pollution population Press productivist proponents radioactive reduce require risks scientists side effects social solar cells solar photovoltaic strategies subsidies suburban Sustainable technologies there’s tion traffic U.S. Census Bureau U.S. Department United University urban vehicles walkable walking Washington DC waste Wind Energy wind farm wind power wind turbines women’s York