East Baton Rouge Parish Library

Green illusions, the dirty secrets of clean energy and the future of environmentalism, Ozzie Zehner

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages [355]-414) and index

government publication of a state province territory dependency etc

illustrations

index present

non fiction

Green illusions

bibliography

759915567

Ozzie Zehner

Our sustainable future

the dirty secrets of clean energy and the future of environmentalism

"We don't have an energy crisis. We have a consumption crisis. And this book, which takes aim at cherished assumptions regarding energy, offers refreshingly straight talk about what's wrong with the way we think and talk about the problem. Though we generally believe we can solve environmental problems with more energy--more solar cells, wind turbines, and biofuels--alternative technologies come with their own side effects and limitations. How, for instance, do solar cells cause harm? Why can't engineers solve wind power's biggest obstacle? Why won't contraception solve the problem of overpopulation lying at the heart of our concerns about energy, and what will? This practical, environmentally informed, and lucid book persuasively argues for a change of perspective. If consumption is the problem, as Ozzie Zehner suggests, then we need to shift our focus from suspect alternative energies to improving social and political fundamentals: walkable communities, improved consumption, enlightened governance, and, most notably, women's rights. The dozens of first steps he offers are surprisingly straightforward. For instance, he introduces a simple sticker that promises a greater impact than all of the nation's solar cells. He uncovers why carbon taxes won't solve our energy challenges (and presents two taxes that could). Finally, he explores how future environmentalists will focus on similarly fresh alternatives that are affordable, clean, and can actually improve our well-being."--p. [4] of cover

Introduction : unraveling the spectacle -- I: Seductive futures -- Solar cells and other fairy tales -- Wind power's flurry of limitations -- Biofuels and the politics of big corn -- The nuclear-military-industrial risk complex -- The hydrogen zombie -- Conjuring clean coal -- Hydropower, hybrids, and other hydras -- II: From here to there -- The alternative-energy fetish -- The first step -- III: The future of environmentalism -- Women's rights -- Improving consumption -- The architecture of community -- Efficiency culture -- Asking questions -- Epilogue: A grander narrative?