Renewable and Alternative Energy Resources: A Reference Handbook (Contemporary World Issues) - Hardcover

Zachary A. Smith; Katrina D. Taylor

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1598840894 ISBN 13: 9781598840896

Publisher: ABC-CLIO, 2008

Synopsis

This volume provides an insightful overview of renewable and alternative energy technologies and policies in the United States and around the world. * A chronology of technological developments, events, and policies related to renewable and alternative energy * A glossary of renewable and alternative energy related concepts including Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), net metering, and stages of technology development

About this title

Review

"This reviewer was impressed with the authors' objectivity in their resource selection, given that they are dealing with high-profile subject matter . . . Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates and general readers." - Choice

"The handbook would provide a good starting point for research by high school and college students or others approaching the topic for the first time. While no one particular aspect of renewable and alternative energy is addressed in great detail, this source does a good job of identifying and explaining the range of technologies and the variety of policy measures that can help them succeed. The inclusion of the current state of alternative and renewable energy, along with statistical data, from countries around the world, contributes to the value as a single source of coverage on renewable and alternative energy resources." - ARBA

Synopsis

This volume provides an insightful overview of renewable and alternative energy technologies and policies in the United States and around the world.Around 14 percent of world energy consumption is derived from sources other than fossil fuels - but almost all of that comes from hydropowered electricity and biomass products. While the potential for creating more environmentally friendly energy solutions (such as solar, geothermal, wind, and wave power) is beginning to be realized, the debates continue as to whether these initiatives make for good policy and good business.Are renewable and alternative energy solutions needed to combat many of the negative effects of fossil fuel (including global warming)? Can such solutions be "clean," and still economically viable? For readers wanting clear, objective answers to questions like these, this fascinating, highly informative volume is the ideal source."Renewable and Alternative Energy Resources: A Reference Handbook" provides an authoritative, unbiased overview of existing and potential renewable and alternative energy technologies, covering the benefits and drawbacks associated with each.

It then looks at a number of specific questions and controversies on this issue, examining the social, political, and economic aspects of renewable and alternative energy use in the United States and other countries - detailing different approaches and activities of international organizations, national governments, and private sector initiatives.It includes an exhaustive introductory essay and a chronology of key events, movements, and legislation.It also includes a chronology of technological developments, events, and policies related to renewable and alternative energy. It contains a glossary of renewable and alternative energy related concepts including Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), net metering, and stages of technology development.

Edition details

• Publisher: ABC-CLIO
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 1598840894
• ISBN 13: 9781598840896
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 344