Alternative Energy for Dummies - Softcover

DeGunther, Rik

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0470430621 ISBN 13: 9780470430620

Publisher: For Dummies, 2009

Synopsis

The myths and facts about alternative fuels–and how they impact our lives

As the price of energy continues to soar, so too has the demand for alternative energy. But there's no clear "winner" in the race to replace fossil fuels. Alternative Energy For Dummies explores the current fossil fuel conundrum and society's growing need for more and more energy. Cutting through the competing claims, this book offers a multifaceted examination of alternative energy, including solar, wind, nuclear, biomass, geothermal, biofuel, and other sources. Each alternative scenario is compared to current fossil-fuel intensive practices in the scientific, environmental, social, political, and economic realms. Readers also gain insight into the future of energy production.

About this title

About the Author

Rik DeGunther Author, Solar Power Your Home For Dummies and Energy Efficient Homes For Dummies

From the Back Cover

Learn to:

• Evaluate the various forms of alternative energy
• Understand the science behind future energy options
• Sort through the political hype
• Grasp your options for alternative-fuel cars

Get the truth about alternative energy and make it part of your life

Want to utilize cleaner, greener types of energy? This plain-English guide clearly explains the popular forms of alternative energy that you can use in your home, your car, and more. Separating myth from fact, this resource explores the current fossil fuel conundrum, the benefits of alternatives, and the energy of the future, such as hydrogen and fuel cell technology.

• The ABCs of alternative energy ―
• what it is, how it works, and what the real costs are
• Where we are now ―
• learn where our current energy comes from and how much longer it will last
• Take the first step ―
• see how energy efficiency and conservation can reduce your reliance on fossil fuels
• Grasp the alternatives ―
• from nuclear power to geothermal energy to wood burning, understand the benefits that alternative energy can have on the nation
• Apply alternative fuels to transportation ―
• from biofuels to exotic propulsion to electricity, see how they are best used and how hybrid, all-electric, and fuel cell–powered vehicles work
• Get a peek into the future ―
• see what the outlook holds for each form of alternative energy discussed

Open the book and find:

• The pros and cons of alternative energy
• A review of the current world energy economy
• The problems with fossil fuels, from smog to global warming
• Advantages of alternative energy
• Practical results of alternatives you can use in daily life
• Guidelines for investing in alternative energy vehicles
• Ten ways you can bring about change right now
• Insight into the future of energy production ― and how you can invest in it

From the Inside Flap

Learn to:

• Evaluate the various forms of alternative energy
• Understand the science behind future energy options
• Sort through the political hype
• Grasp your options for alternative-fuel cars

Get the truth about alternative energy and make it part of your life

Want to utilize cleaner, greener types of energy? This plain-English guide clearly explains the popular forms of alternative energy that you can use in your home, your car, and more. Separating myth from fact, this resource explores the current fossil fuel conundrum, the benefits of alternatives, and the energy of the future, such as hydrogen and fuel cell technology.

• The ABCs of alternative energy — what it is, how it works, and what the real costs are
• Where we are now — learn where our current energy comes from and how much longer it will last
• Take the first step — see how energy efficiency and conservation can reduce your reliance on fossil fuels
• Grasp the alternatives — from nuclear power to geothermal energy to wood burning, understand the benefits that alternative energy can have on the nation
• Apply alternative fuels to transportation — from biofuels to exotic propulsion to electricity, see how they are best used and how hybrid, all-electric, and fuel cell–powered vehicles work
• Get a peek into the future — see what the outlook holds for each form of alternative energy discussed

Open the book and find:

• The pros and cons of alternative energy
• A review of the current world energy economy
• The problems with fossil fuels, from smog to global warming
• Advantages of alternative energy
• Practical results of alternatives you can use in daily life
• Guidelines for investing in alternative energy vehicles
• Ten ways you can bring about change right now
• Insight into the future of energy production — and how you can invest in it

Edition details

• Publisher: For Dummies
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0470430621
• ISBN 13: 9780470430620
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 386