Energy for the Future

Many people are worried we will run out of the energy resources we use on a daily basis and rightfully so. Oil, gas and coal (fossil fuels) are resources we will eventually run out of and we need to look to the future and start considering developing methods to harvest or use renewable resources. The use of fossil fuels is troubling because they emit greenhouse gases and contribute to global warming. Some of the renewable resources this book takes a look at are "the wind, waves, tides, and the sun." Did you know that biogas is a methane gas that is produced when waste rots? Many people in India have "biogas plants" for home use and you can read about them in this book. In this book chapters include The Energy Problem, Nonrenewable Energy sources, Renewable Energy Sources, Clean Energy, Wind and Wave Power, Solar Power, Nuclear Power, Cleaning Up Coal, Electric Cars and The Best Renewable Energy Source. There are also suggestions on how to save energy, ways you can cut greenhouse gases by driving less, comparisons of transportation modes and their greenhouse gas emissions, biogas plants, a discussion on power stations, ways to make your own electricity and ways you can help. The photographs accompanying the text capture the essence of the book and are very striking. Each section has a mini-sidebar with an interesting fact to accompany the discussion topic. For example in the section about cleaning up coal we learn that "some scientists believe that the methods used to clean coal may actually harm the environment." The pros and cons of renewable resources are given when applicable. In the back of the book there are a glossary, index and three additional recommended books. This is an excellent overview of potential future energy resources.