Switching Off: Meeting Our Energy Needs in A Constrained Future

The book explores the global energy use, its past, present, and uncertain future, highlighting the ecological problems and proposed solutions. It concludes that renewable energy is essential but falls short of meeting global energy needs, requiring deep energy reductions in high-income OECD countries.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 90 pages
Publication date: 29 March 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

The book delves into the intricate tapestry of global energy consumption, spanning its historical roots and present-day dynamics, while also casting a cautious eye toward an increasingly uncertain future. It presents a comprehensive inventory of the diverse ecological challenges confronting our planet, extending beyond climate change to encompass a wide range of environmental concerns. What is particularly striking is the underestimation of the gravity of these challenges, highlighting the urgent need for heightened awareness and concerted action.

In seeking solutions to the problems posed by our current energy use, the book explores a broad spectrum of options, extending beyond renewable energy. It examines strategies such as solar radiation management, carbon dioxide removal, nuclear energy, and energy efficiency, each offering potential pathways to address the pressing issues. Renewable energy (RE) emerges as a prominent solution, hailed by many as the ultimate panacea for a multitude of environmental predicaments. With the advent of the New Green Deal, there is a growing belief that RE can not only mitigate environmental harm but also stimulate economic growth.

However, the book takes a critical stance in assessing the prospects of RE. It cautions that while the world must transition to RE, the ecologically sustainable energy derived from all RE sources is projected to fall far short of even the current global energy demand. Moreover, the limited time available for decisive action underscores the limitations of RE as a sole solution. Consequently, profound energy reductions, particularly in high-income OECD countries, will be indispensable to address the pressing energy challenges.

To navigate this complex landscape, the book adopts an Earth Systems Science approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of the various challenges our Earth faces. Its objective is to amalgamate the latest findings from a diverse array of biophysical and socioeconomic sciences, unraveling the increasingly constrained energy options that lie ahead. By integrating these diverse perspectives, the book aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the energy landscape and offer insights into the complex decision-making processes required to navigate a sustainable future.

In conclusion, the book serves as a vital resource for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of global energy use, its past, present, and uncertain future. It sheds light on the underestimated ecological challenges we face and explores a range of solutions, including renewable energy, to address them. However, it also cautions against relying solely on RE as a panacea, emphasizing the need for profound energy reductions and adopting an interdisciplinary approach to tackle the complex energy challenges of our time.

Weight: 168g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811907661
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022