Promotions - Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles 2015 - Science & Technology — Engineering — Environmental Studies

The need for global reduction in fossil fuel use was heralded in by the 1973 oil crisis, which resulted from an oil embargo by the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC).  Predating the obvious warning of the embargo was an undercurrent of findings, starting in the 1930s, that linked the global climate to use of fossil fuel.  One can find many books that analyze and critique the downside of dependence on fossil fuels.  This book differs slightly from the rest by focusing on what is needed for a positive transition to a post-fossil-fuel era.  The editors begin by defining how the problem of fossil fuel dependence started and became almost irreversibly enmeshed in all nations.  The essays themselveswritten by noted authorities (the editors prominent among them)explain the economics, ethics, science, and sociology of fossil fuel dependency.  The volume also includes several case studies that describe realistic nascent efforts for decreasing reliance on fossil fuels in various countries.  The collection, as a whole, stresses that societies must have a fossil fuel exit plan before adopting new energy use strategies.  All the contributors write without bias and use current literature to support their arguments.  Ample references are provided.Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers.

Geoengineering is intentionally manipulating Earths climate to reduce global warming.  Although the termgeoengineeringappears in the subtitle of this book and although the background for writing it was a planned experiment in climate engineering by injecting particles into the stratosphere, the authors main subject is the exploration of the sociology, economics, politics, and ethics surrounding geoengineering.  Stilgoe (University College London, UK) specializes in the sociology of science and the interaction between science and other disciplines, such as engineering and economics.  In this book, he raises serious questions about how science and engineering may transform human lives through geoengineering and what sorts of regulatory machinery may be necessary to protect people from its potentially harmful side effects, including harm to health and the environment and to various rights and freedoms.  Another question raised is whether geoengineering is actually possible, and, if so, is it really desirable?  Are there alternatives that are more cost-effective and less risky?  Stilgoe provides many more questions than answers, but these are questions that need to be considered.  This book offers much food for thought and discussion.Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readership levels.