The Powers That Be

Global Energy for the Twenty-first Century and Beyond

Scott L. Montgomery

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Hardback

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English

Chicago University Press
15 July 2010

Energy industries & utilities; Mathematics & Sciences; Management of land & natural resources

Thirty years ago, our global energy landscape did not look remarkably different from what it does today. Three or four decades from now, it certainly will: dwindling oil reserves will clash with skyrocketing demand, as developing nations around the world lead their citizens into the modern energy economy, and all the while, the grave threat of catastrophic climate change looms ever larger. Energy worries are at an all-time high—just how will we power our future?

With The Powers That Be, Scott L. Montgomery cuts through the hype, alarmism, and confusion to give us a straightforward, informed account of where we are now, and a map of where we’re going. Starting with the inescapable fact of our current dependence on fossil fuels—which supply 80% of all our energy needs today—Montgomery clearly and carefully lays out the many alternative energy options available, ranging from the familiar, like water and solar, to such nascent but promising sources as hydrogen and geothermal power. What is crucial, Montgomery explains, is understanding that our future will depend not on some single, wondrous breakthrough; instead, we should focus on developing a more diverse, adaptable energy future, one that draws on a variety of sources—and is thus less vulnerable to disruption or failure.

An admirably evenhanded and always realistic guide, Montgomery enables readers to understand the implications of energy funding, research, and politics at a global scale. At the same time, he doesn’t neglect the ultimate connection between those decisions and the average citizen flipping a light switch or sliding behind the wheel of a car, making The Powers That Be indispensible for our ever-more energy conscious age.

By: Scott L. Montgomery
Imprint: Chicago University Press
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 24mm, Width: 16mm, Spine: 3mm
Weight: 652g
ISBN: 9780226535005
ISBN 10: 0226535002
Pages: 408
Publication Date: 15 July 2010
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Scott L. Montgomery is a consulting geologist, independent scholar, and the author of The Chicago Guide to Communicating Science and Science in Translation, both published by the University of Chicago Press.

Reviews for The Powers That Be: Global Energy for the Twenty-first Century and Beyond

""Scott L. Montgomery has written a much-needed book about global energy for a general nonfiction audience. He approaches the issue with humanistic nuance and offers a refreshing voice of clarity and composure on this topic."" -Saleem H. Ali, author of Treasures of the Earth: Need, Greed, and a Sustainable Future""