Energy Myths and Realities
By Vaclav Smil
Bringing Science to the Energy Policy Debate. AEI Press, 2010.
Summary of Energy Myths and Realities book by Vaclav Smil
An unrelenting criticism of popular beliefs, theories, and myths about energy production and consumption, using an analytical filter to critically examine proposed solutions to the energy crisis.
Chapters in Energy Myths and Realities book summary
What do you get from this book? A fact-based, unbiased examination of energy debates and possible energy alternatives
Electric cars can’t compete with affordable gasoline-powered vehicles, and their electricity consumption outweighs any clean energy usage
Although nuclear energy is important for a sustainable, clean energy future, public perception of its risks is too high
Small-scale renewable energy can’t compete with major energy producers like coal, gas, and oil
The earth will not likely run out of oil soon, nor will a declining supply bring a major, catastrophic disaster
Capturing and cleaning CO2 emissions is not as effective as solving the reasons for those emissions in the first place
The rush to use plant-based fuels as an alternative energy source ignores all of their disastrously negative side effects
Although the potential of wind energy could sustain our whole civilization, the reality of harnessing that power is impossible
Any proposed transition in current energy habits must be based on scientific research and overcome steep infrastructure costs
Summary of the key insights
Selected critiques in brief
Final word
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Energy Myths and Realities — Book Summary Snapshot
Who should read Energy Myths and Realities book
- Conservationists
- environmental scientists
- policy makers
- anyone interested in sustainability
About the author of Energy Myths and Realities
Vaclav Smil
Vaclav Smil is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Manitoba. His research has had a global influence on policies regarding energy, the economy, food, and more. Smil was named one of the top 100 Global Thinkers by Foreign Policy. His dozens of published works include Creating the Twentieth Century and Should We Eat Meat?
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Kate Raworth
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