The future is now : solving the climate crisis with today's technologies / Bob McDonald.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

McDonald, Bob, 1951- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Renewable energy sources--Popular works.

Renewable energy sources.

Green technology.

Clean energy--Popular works.

Clean energy.

Climatic changes--Popular works.

Climatic changes.

Nature--Effect of human beings on--Popular works.

Nature.

Genre:

Popular works.

Physical Description:

290 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

[Toronto] : Viking Canada, 2022.

Summary:

"In the absence of motorized boats and gondolas, Venice's waters have returned to a sparkling blue color. Deer have been spotted roaming cities in Italy, and mountain goats recently took over a small seaside town in Wales. Taking advantage of the decreased boat traffic, whales have returned to roaming Vancouver's harbours. The absence of "regular" human activities has dramatically affected our environment. In this book, Bob McDonald turns his focus to global energy sources, and shows how the global shutdowns may have been exactly what we needed to show us that a greener future is achievable. This is not another "wake-up call," and not another plea to heed the climate science. This is an exploration of the incredible technologies that our species can use to get out of the mess we've made for ourselves. It is a work of immense optimism, to counteract the sense of doom that hangs over most discussions of the environment. Many alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal have been available for decades--but they alone will not be enough. Additional power will come from small nuclear reactors the size of an office desk, and space-based solar power satellites with enormous mirrors that can capture sunlight, convert it to microwaves, and beam it to the ground to light up entire cities. Energy will be captured from waves, tides, and hydrogen. Vehicles will no longer have tailpipes that emit smog particles. Food will be sourced locally. Green technology is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy, and will only continue to skyrocket as current products improve their performance and new products emerge. A new green age is upon us--let this book be your guide to the future."-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Introduction

Solar power

Biofuels

Wind power

Ocean wave power

Tidal power

Energy storage

Geothermal energy

Small nuclear

Fusion power

Rethinking oil

Hydrogen power

Carbon capture

Energy efficiency

The invisible power plant

A great idea but...

Putting it all together

Glossary of energy terms

Endnotes

Acknowledgments.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 281-288).

Other Format:

Online version: McDonald, Bob, 1951- Future is now.

ISBN:

9780735241947

0735241945

OCLC:

1287993645

Publisher Number:

99993741525