The world history of energy

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• The history in general of the global environment

Review of Vaclav Smil, Energy in World History (1994)

Reviewed by Rudi Volti, 6 March 1995. The energy crises of the 1970s inspired a number of scho larly explorations of the energy-history nexus, of which Vaclav Smil's book is one of the clearest and most comprehensive. It describes a wide variety of energy sources and energy-using technologies in conjunction with descriptions of their interaction with broad historical changes. Book an invaluable source of factual information.

Energy efficiency could backfire

From Environmental News Network, Friday 4 September 1998. On a macro economic scale, low energy prices stimulate economic activity, push up energy demand; Energy efficient products can reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. However, a leading green analyst says that conservation policies could reduce energy costs and cause greenhouse gas emissions to rise.

World’s Current Energy System Unsustainable

By Thalif Deen, InterPress Service, 20 September 2000. The world's current energy system is not sufficiently reliable or affordable to support widespread economic growth, according to a new study.

Hydrogen Report is Full of Hot Air

By Sam Jaffe, The Scientist, 28 July 2003. Controvery around the issue of hydrogen escape and the ozone layer.