Coal Myths And Environmental Realities

Coal Myths And Environmental Realities

Author: Alvin L. Alm

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2019-03-01

Total Pages: 137

ISBN-13: 0429725728

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This book deals with two inconsistent myths that persistently surround industrial use of coal. The first myth is that the Clean Air Act precluded the use of coal; the second, that industrial use of coal will expand rapidly as a result of purely economic choices. Through analyzing fuel-use decisions actually made by industry, Mr. Alm concludes that environmental quality standards have played a minor role in industrial choice of fuel. Historically, natural gas and oil have been both less costly and more convenient fuels for industry to use. Coal gained a substantial economic advantage over oil after the oil price increases of the last decade, yet it continues to maintain a lower market share than economics alone would suggest. Mr. Alm demonstrates that coal's share of the fuel market will continue to remain low because of the way U.S. businesses view fuel-use choices. For most U.S. firms, energy costs are a relatively small portion of total costs and a minor factor in a firm's ability to compete. Faced with alternative capital projects to expand production facilities or to make mandatory investments, companies do not generally give high priority to coal conversion projects. Moreover, most U.S. firms have little experience with burning coal, and that lack of expertise creates additional psychological and institutional barriers to coal's use. Finally, there is a tendency to prefer high-payoff, short-term investments over projects that promise cost savings many years in the future. These are all strong reasons for coal's lackluster performance in the industrial market—much more potent forces than environmental regulations.


Book Synopsis Coal Myths And Environmental Realities by : Alvin L. Alm

Download or read book Coal Myths And Environmental Realities written by Alvin L. Alm and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2019-03-01 with total page 137 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book deals with two inconsistent myths that persistently surround industrial use of coal. The first myth is that the Clean Air Act precluded the use of coal; the second, that industrial use of coal will expand rapidly as a result of purely economic choices. Through analyzing fuel-use decisions actually made by industry, Mr. Alm concludes that environmental quality standards have played a minor role in industrial choice of fuel. Historically, natural gas and oil have been both less costly and more convenient fuels for industry to use. Coal gained a substantial economic advantage over oil after the oil price increases of the last decade, yet it continues to maintain a lower market share than economics alone would suggest. Mr. Alm demonstrates that coal's share of the fuel market will continue to remain low because of the way U.S. businesses view fuel-use choices. For most U.S. firms, energy costs are a relatively small portion of total costs and a minor factor in a firm's ability to compete. Faced with alternative capital projects to expand production facilities or to make mandatory investments, companies do not generally give high priority to coal conversion projects. Moreover, most U.S. firms have little experience with burning coal, and that lack of expertise creates additional psychological and institutional barriers to coal's use. Finally, there is a tendency to prefer high-payoff, short-term investments over projects that promise cost savings many years in the future. These are all strong reasons for coal's lackluster performance in the industrial market—much more potent forces than environmental regulations.


Beyond the Age of Oil

Beyond the Age of Oil

Author: Leonardo Maugeri

Publisher:

Published:

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

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This book offers a revealing picture of the myths and realities of the energy world by one of our most renowned energy experts and managers. At the end of the first decade of the 21st century, the human race finds itself caught in an "energy trap." Carbon-rich fossil fuels--coal, petroleum and natural gas--are firmly entrenched as the dominant sources of our energy and power. Their highly concentrated forms, versatility of use, ease of transport and storage, ready availability, and comparatively low costs combine to give fossil fuels an unassailable competitive advantage over all alternative sources of energy. This economic reality means that fossil fuels will inevitably continue to be the backbone of the global economy for the next quarter of a century, even while the adverse climate and environmental effects of our dependence on fossil fuels hurtle toward global crisis levels. To avert unacceptable environmental consequences, the world must deliberately and incrementally supplant fossil fuels with alternative energy sources, on a schedule that will have them overtake fossil fuels in the world's energy budget by 2035. To achieve this urgent goal without massive economic dislocation and reduction in standards of living, global investment in fossil fuel efficiency will be just as important as the development and massive deployment of alternative energy technologies and delivery systems. In this eagerly awaited sequel to his prize-winning bestseller, The Age of Oil, Leonardo Maugeri, the strategy director of one of the world's biggest energy companies, puts forward a hard-headed, concrete plan in simple everyday language for how to shift the world economy's primary energy dependence from fossil fuels to renewable energies by 2035. Assuming no specialized knowledge, the author walks the reader chapter by chapter through each of the fossil fuels (oil, coal, and natural gas) and each of the alternative energy sources (nuclear, hydroelectric, biofuel, wind, solar, geothermal, and hydrogen). Drawing on the unparalleled data and analysis resources at his command, Maugeri assesses the problems and advantages of each energy source in turn in order to constrain the optimal mix of energy sources that the world should be aiming for in 2035. Critically, he lays out the arduous path for getting from here to there. Maugeri shows that the next 25 years will be a rocky marriage between the old and the new energy paradigms, during which we must dramatically improve the efficiency of our continuing use of fossil fuels, while driving ahead on all fronts to an energy future based on a suite of sustainable energy sources.


Book Synopsis Beyond the Age of Oil by : Leonardo Maugeri

Download or read book Beyond the Age of Oil written by Leonardo Maugeri and published by . This book was released on with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book offers a revealing picture of the myths and realities of the energy world by one of our most renowned energy experts and managers. At the end of the first decade of the 21st century, the human race finds itself caught in an "energy trap." Carbon-rich fossil fuels--coal, petroleum and natural gas--are firmly entrenched as the dominant sources of our energy and power. Their highly concentrated forms, versatility of use, ease of transport and storage, ready availability, and comparatively low costs combine to give fossil fuels an unassailable competitive advantage over all alternative sources of energy. This economic reality means that fossil fuels will inevitably continue to be the backbone of the global economy for the next quarter of a century, even while the adverse climate and environmental effects of our dependence on fossil fuels hurtle toward global crisis levels. To avert unacceptable environmental consequences, the world must deliberately and incrementally supplant fossil fuels with alternative energy sources, on a schedule that will have them overtake fossil fuels in the world's energy budget by 2035. To achieve this urgent goal without massive economic dislocation and reduction in standards of living, global investment in fossil fuel efficiency will be just as important as the development and massive deployment of alternative energy technologies and delivery systems. In this eagerly awaited sequel to his prize-winning bestseller, The Age of Oil, Leonardo Maugeri, the strategy director of one of the world's biggest energy companies, puts forward a hard-headed, concrete plan in simple everyday language for how to shift the world economy's primary energy dependence from fossil fuels to renewable energies by 2035. Assuming no specialized knowledge, the author walks the reader chapter by chapter through each of the fossil fuels (oil, coal, and natural gas) and each of the alternative energy sources (nuclear, hydroelectric, biofuel, wind, solar, geothermal, and hydrogen). Drawing on the unparalleled data and analysis resources at his command, Maugeri assesses the problems and advantages of each energy source in turn in order to constrain the optimal mix of energy sources that the world should be aiming for in 2035. Critically, he lays out the arduous path for getting from here to there. Maugeri shows that the next 25 years will be a rocky marriage between the old and the new energy paradigms, during which we must dramatically improve the efficiency of our continuing use of fossil fuels, while driving ahead on all fronts to an energy future based on a suite of sustainable energy sources.


Energy Abstracts for Policy Analysis

Energy Abstracts for Policy Analysis

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 1988

Total Pages: 724

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis Energy Abstracts for Policy Analysis by :

Download or read book Energy Abstracts for Policy Analysis written by and published by . This book was released on 1988 with total page 724 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Cosmic Queries

Cosmic Queries

Author: Neil deGrasse Tyson

Publisher: Disney Electronic Content

Published: 2021-03-02

Total Pages: 329

ISBN-13: 1426221789

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In this thought-provoking follow-up to his acclaimed StarTalk book, uber astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson tackles the world's most important philosophical questions about the universe with wit, wisdom, and cutting-edge science. For science geeks, space and physics nerds, and all who want to understand their place in the universe, this enlightening new book from Neil deGrasse Tyson offers a unique take on the mysteries and curiosities of the cosmos, building on rich material from his beloved StarTalk podcast. In these illuminating pages, illustrated with dazzling photos and revealing graphics, Tyson and co-author James Trefil, a renowned physicist and science popularizer, take on the big questions that humanity has been posing for millennia--How did life begin? What is our place in the universe? Are we alone?--and provide answers based on the most current data, observations, and theories. Populated with paradigm-shifting discoveries that help explain the building blocks of astrophysics, this relatable and entertaining book will engage and inspire readers of all ages, bring sophisticated concepts within reach, and offer a window into the complexities of the cosmos. or all who loved National Geographic's StarTalk with Neil deGrasse Tyson, Cosmos: Possible Worlds, and Space Atlas, this new book will take them on more journeys into the wonders of the universe and beyond.


Book Synopsis Cosmic Queries by : Neil deGrasse Tyson

Download or read book Cosmic Queries written by Neil deGrasse Tyson and published by Disney Electronic Content. This book was released on 2021-03-02 with total page 329 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this thought-provoking follow-up to his acclaimed StarTalk book, uber astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson tackles the world's most important philosophical questions about the universe with wit, wisdom, and cutting-edge science. For science geeks, space and physics nerds, and all who want to understand their place in the universe, this enlightening new book from Neil deGrasse Tyson offers a unique take on the mysteries and curiosities of the cosmos, building on rich material from his beloved StarTalk podcast. In these illuminating pages, illustrated with dazzling photos and revealing graphics, Tyson and co-author James Trefil, a renowned physicist and science popularizer, take on the big questions that humanity has been posing for millennia--How did life begin? What is our place in the universe? Are we alone?--and provide answers based on the most current data, observations, and theories. Populated with paradigm-shifting discoveries that help explain the building blocks of astrophysics, this relatable and entertaining book will engage and inspire readers of all ages, bring sophisticated concepts within reach, and offer a window into the complexities of the cosmos. or all who loved National Geographic's StarTalk with Neil deGrasse Tyson, Cosmos: Possible Worlds, and Space Atlas, this new book will take them on more journeys into the wonders of the universe and beyond.


Fossil Energy Update

Fossil Energy Update

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 1984

Total Pages: 878

ISBN-13:

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Download or read book Fossil Energy Update written by and published by . This book was released on 1984 with total page 878 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Global Warming and Other Eco-myths

Global Warming and Other Eco-myths

Author: Ronald Bailey

Publisher: Prima Lifestyles

Published: 2002

Total Pages: 456

ISBN-13:

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Includes essays by Nobel Laureate Dr. Norman E. Borlaug and other noted scientists and scholars The modern environmental movement began with the publication of three seminal works, Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring, Paul Ehrlich's "The Population Bomb, and the Club of Rome's "The Limits to Growth. These books' dismal visions of a poisoned, over-populated, resource-depleted world spiraling down toward environmental collapse are today's conventional wisdom. And every year we hear about new "conclusive" reports from special interest groups claiming that our atmosphere's temperatures are soaring, our air and water are more polluted, our cities are more crowded, and our global food supply is more precarious than ever before. However, according to a number of leading scientists from around the world, members of the environmental movement are guilty of twisting--sometimes manufacturing--the facts in an effort to frighten people into joining their cause. In this eye-opening book, some of the most respected researchers in the country explode the myths behind much of the doom and gloom of today's environmental movement. You will discover how the hysteria about global warming, overpopulation, mass extinctions, imminent famines, biotechnology, energy shortages, and more are grounded not in reason but in false science and a fear of progress. When placed beside the overwhelming facts, some of the most pervasive eco-myths crumble, including: Myth: Antarctica is melting due to global warming--threatening to raise ocean levels Fact: Antarctica has been cooling--and its glaciers thickening--for the past 30 years Myth: The global population is growing faster than our ability toproduce food Fact: Global fertility rates are falling dramatically, and with advanced technology, farmers are producing more food using fewer resources than ever before Myth: Solar- and wind-powered generators are a renewable, efficient, and less intrusive alternative to gas-, oil-, and coal-burning generators Fact: Global fossil fuel supplies are in no near-term danger of being depleted, and a single 555-megawatt natural gas power plant produces more electricity than 13,000 windmills Myth: Modern pesticides and fertilizers are increasing the rates of cancer in humans Fact: No study has ever shown that anyone has developed cancer from the legal application of pesticides, and environmental pollution accounts for at most 2 percent of all cancer cases versus 30 percent caused by tobacco use And many more Ultimately, this book shows that uniting much of the environmental movement is an agenda that is not so much anti-pollution as it is anti-human. "Global Warming and Other Eco-Myths lays out the "true state of the planet, which, as you'll discover, is more healthy, vibrant, and clean than ideologically motivated environmentalists want you to believe.


Book Synopsis Global Warming and Other Eco-myths by : Ronald Bailey

Download or read book Global Warming and Other Eco-myths written by Ronald Bailey and published by Prima Lifestyles. This book was released on 2002 with total page 456 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Includes essays by Nobel Laureate Dr. Norman E. Borlaug and other noted scientists and scholars The modern environmental movement began with the publication of three seminal works, Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring, Paul Ehrlich's "The Population Bomb, and the Club of Rome's "The Limits to Growth. These books' dismal visions of a poisoned, over-populated, resource-depleted world spiraling down toward environmental collapse are today's conventional wisdom. And every year we hear about new "conclusive" reports from special interest groups claiming that our atmosphere's temperatures are soaring, our air and water are more polluted, our cities are more crowded, and our global food supply is more precarious than ever before. However, according to a number of leading scientists from around the world, members of the environmental movement are guilty of twisting--sometimes manufacturing--the facts in an effort to frighten people into joining their cause. In this eye-opening book, some of the most respected researchers in the country explode the myths behind much of the doom and gloom of today's environmental movement. You will discover how the hysteria about global warming, overpopulation, mass extinctions, imminent famines, biotechnology, energy shortages, and more are grounded not in reason but in false science and a fear of progress. When placed beside the overwhelming facts, some of the most pervasive eco-myths crumble, including: Myth: Antarctica is melting due to global warming--threatening to raise ocean levels Fact: Antarctica has been cooling--and its glaciers thickening--for the past 30 years Myth: The global population is growing faster than our ability toproduce food Fact: Global fertility rates are falling dramatically, and with advanced technology, farmers are producing more food using fewer resources than ever before Myth: Solar- and wind-powered generators are a renewable, efficient, and less intrusive alternative to gas-, oil-, and coal-burning generators Fact: Global fossil fuel supplies are in no near-term danger of being depleted, and a single 555-megawatt natural gas power plant produces more electricity than 13,000 windmills Myth: Modern pesticides and fertilizers are increasing the rates of cancer in humans Fact: No study has ever shown that anyone has developed cancer from the legal application of pesticides, and environmental pollution accounts for at most 2 percent of all cancer cases versus 30 percent caused by tobacco use And many more Ultimately, this book shows that uniting much of the environmental movement is an agenda that is not so much anti-pollution as it is anti-human. "Global Warming and Other Eco-Myths lays out the "true state of the planet, which, as you'll discover, is more healthy, vibrant, and clean than ideologically motivated environmentalists want you to believe.


The Reality of American Energy

The Reality of American Energy

Author: Ryan M. Yonk

Publisher:

Published:

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

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This book dispels common myths about electricity and electricity policy and reveals how government policies manipulate energy markets, create hidden costs, and may inflict a net harm on the American people and the environment. Climate change, energy generation and use, and environmental degradation are among the most salient--and controversial--political issues today. Our country's energy future will be determined by the policymakers who enact laws that favor certain kinds of energy production while discouraging others as much as by the energy-production companies or the scientists working to reduce the environmental impact of all energy production. The Reality of American Energy: The Hidden Costs of Electricity provides rare insights into the politics and economics surrounding electricity in the United States. It identifies the economic, physical, and environmental implications of distorting energy markets to limit the use of fossil fuels while increasing renewable energy production and explains how these unseen effects of favoring renewable energy may be counterproductive to the economic interests of American citizens and to the protection of the environment. The first two chapters of the book introduce the subject of electricity policy in the United States and to enable readers to understand why policymakers do what they do. The remainder of the book examines the realities of the major electricity sources in the United States: coal, natural gas, nuclear, hydrodynamic, wind, biomass, solar, and geothermal. Each of these types of energy sources is analyzed in a dedicated chapter that explains how the electricity source works and identifies how politics and public policy shape the economic and environmental impacts associated with them.


Book Synopsis The Reality of American Energy by : Ryan M. Yonk

Download or read book The Reality of American Energy written by Ryan M. Yonk and published by . This book was released on with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book dispels common myths about electricity and electricity policy and reveals how government policies manipulate energy markets, create hidden costs, and may inflict a net harm on the American people and the environment. Climate change, energy generation and use, and environmental degradation are among the most salient--and controversial--political issues today. Our country's energy future will be determined by the policymakers who enact laws that favor certain kinds of energy production while discouraging others as much as by the energy-production companies or the scientists working to reduce the environmental impact of all energy production. The Reality of American Energy: The Hidden Costs of Electricity provides rare insights into the politics and economics surrounding electricity in the United States. It identifies the economic, physical, and environmental implications of distorting energy markets to limit the use of fossil fuels while increasing renewable energy production and explains how these unseen effects of favoring renewable energy may be counterproductive to the economic interests of American citizens and to the protection of the environment. The first two chapters of the book introduce the subject of electricity policy in the United States and to enable readers to understand why policymakers do what they do. The remainder of the book examines the realities of the major electricity sources in the United States: coal, natural gas, nuclear, hydrodynamic, wind, biomass, solar, and geothermal. Each of these types of energy sources is analyzed in a dedicated chapter that explains how the electricity source works and identifies how politics and public policy shape the economic and environmental impacts associated with them.


Natural Resource Administration

Natural Resource Administration

Author: C. West Churchman

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2019-03-04

Total Pages: 214

ISBN-13: 0429716338

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Successful natural resource administration demands the well-exercised ability to deal with the interests of many actors--including the public and wildlife--in a balanced, constructive way. The authors of this book, recognized as experts in the management of natural resources, discuss management with special emphasis on fish and other wildlife. Their approach to management development constantly searches for creative compromises that protect today's wildlife for future generations while maximizing present social and economic benefits. Their comprehensive treatment also includes a discussion of such topics as the interaction of human management of wildlife with natural regulation of wildlife; the need for sound research and development programs; the importance of public participation in the management of natural resources; and the political and administrative context in which resource management must take place.


Book Synopsis Natural Resource Administration by : C. West Churchman

Download or read book Natural Resource Administration written by C. West Churchman and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2019-03-04 with total page 214 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Successful natural resource administration demands the well-exercised ability to deal with the interests of many actors--including the public and wildlife--in a balanced, constructive way. The authors of this book, recognized as experts in the management of natural resources, discuss management with special emphasis on fish and other wildlife. Their approach to management development constantly searches for creative compromises that protect today's wildlife for future generations while maximizing present social and economic benefits. Their comprehensive treatment also includes a discussion of such topics as the interaction of human management of wildlife with natural regulation of wildlife; the need for sound research and development programs; the importance of public participation in the management of natural resources; and the political and administrative context in which resource management must take place.


The Citizen's Guide to Climate Success

The Citizen's Guide to Climate Success

Author: Mark Jaccard

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2020-02-06

Total Pages: 307

ISBN-13: 1108479375

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Shows readers how we can all help solve the climate crisis by focusing on a few key, achievable actions.


Book Synopsis The Citizen's Guide to Climate Success by : Mark Jaccard

Download or read book The Citizen's Guide to Climate Success written by Mark Jaccard and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2020-02-06 with total page 307 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Shows readers how we can all help solve the climate crisis by focusing on a few key, achievable actions.


Information Sources in Energy Technology

Information Sources in Energy Technology

Author: L. J. Anthony

Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann

Published: 2013-10-22

Total Pages: 337

ISBN-13: 1483192334

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Information Sources in Energy Technology presents the major sources in the field of energy technology. The book is comprised of 16 chapters that are organized into three parts. The first part covers energy in general and discusses both local and international agencies that deal with energy technology along with its primary and secondary sources. The next part deals with fuel technology; this part details combustion, steam and boiler plant, electrical energy, and energy conservation. The last part talks about specific energy sources, including nuclear, solar, and geothermal. The text will be of great use to individuals involved in energy industry. Scientists and engineers involved in energy projects will also benefit from the book.


Book Synopsis Information Sources in Energy Technology by : L. J. Anthony

Download or read book Information Sources in Energy Technology written by L. J. Anthony and published by Butterworth-Heinemann. This book was released on 2013-10-22 with total page 337 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Information Sources in Energy Technology presents the major sources in the field of energy technology. The book is comprised of 16 chapters that are organized into three parts. The first part covers energy in general and discusses both local and international agencies that deal with energy technology along with its primary and secondary sources. The next part deals with fuel technology; this part details combustion, steam and boiler plant, electrical energy, and energy conservation. The last part talks about specific energy sources, including nuclear, solar, and geothermal. The text will be of great use to individuals involved in energy industry. Scientists and engineers involved in energy projects will also benefit from the book.