This book explores the crisis in fossil fuels. Oil, gas and coal are precious resources that define modern life. Without them, mass-produced food and clothing, and international travel and cars, become rare or impossible. Yet our reliance on fossil fuels is responsible for massive environmental damage, and increasing economic and political instability. Control over oil resources has been a major factor in several wars. The price of oil is also key to world economic stability. Yet our supply of oil is limited. As with other fossil fuels, the more we burn, the more damage we do – the number one cause behind global warming is the increase in carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels.The international range of contributors to this book provide a truly global perspective on the dangers inherent in our over-consumption of oil, gas and coal. They explore detailed evidence of the imminent acceleration of fossil fuel depletion and the limits of ‘sustainability’. They outline the political background to the situation, not just among the world’s largest consumers of fossil fuel, the US and China, but also in Europe and the developing world. Considering our future economic survival, they include a detailed examination of France and Australia. Finally, they explore the extreme costs of alternatives such as nuclear power, and outline other possible lifestyles and methods.

Andrew McKillop has undertaken professional research missions on energy, has administered energy projects, or worked as a manager or consultant for organisations including Canada Science Council, Papua New Guinea Government, ILO, European Commission, Organisation of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries, Indian Staff College, UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and S Pacific, World Bank. He has had numerous articles published on energy in The Ecologist, New Scientist, International Journal of Energy Research, Journal of ILO, Le Monde Diplomatique .

• Publisher: Wiley
• Publisher Imprint:
• Publication Date: October 15, 2005
• Pages: 320
• ISBN13: 9780745320922
• Item Weight: 500 grams
• Original Price: 15.99 GBP
• Edition: N/A
• Binding: Paperback