Powering the future : how we will (eventually) solve the energy crisis and fuel the civilization of tomorrow / Robert B. Laughlin.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Laughlin, Robert B.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Renewable energy sources--Popular works.

Renewable energy sources.

Power resources--Popular works.

Power resources.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (342 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

New York : Basic Books, c2011.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

"In Powering the Future, Nobel laureate Robert B. Laughlin transports us two centuries into the future, when we've ceased to use carbon from the ground-either because humans have banned carbon burning or because fuel has simply run out. Boldly, Laughlin predicts no earth-shattering transformations will have taken place. Six generations from now, there will still be soccer moms, shopping malls, and business trips. Firesides will still be snug and warm. How will we do it? Not by discovering a magic bullet to slay our energy problems, but through a slew of fascinating technologies, drawing on wind, water, and fire. Powering the Future is an objective yet optimistic tour through alternative fuel sources, set in a world where we've burned every last drop of petroleum and every last shovelful of coal"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Title Page; ALSO BY ROBERT B. LAUGHLIN; Dedication; CHAPTER 1 - Armchair Journey; CHAPTER 2 - Geologic Time; CHAPTER 3 - Jungle Law; CHAPTER 4 - Carbon Forever; CHAPTER 5 - Pipes of Power; CHAPTER 6 - Inspiring Mammoths; CHAPTER 7 - Calling All Cows; CHAPTER 8 - Tras Ash; CHAPTER 9 - Viva Las Vegas; CHAPTER 10 - Under the Sea; CHAPTER 11 - A Winter's Eve; Acknowledgments; NOTES; INDEX; Copyright Page

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

1-283-28530-4

0-465-02794-6

9786613285300

OCLC:

755169519