From one of the world's leading experts on the history of energy, a
rigorous examination of the transitions that structure our modern
world—and the environmental reckoning that will mark its success
or failure. What makes the modern world work? The answer to this
deceptively simple question lies in four "grand transitions" of
civilization—in populations, agriculture, energy, and
economics—which have transformed the way we live. Societies that
have undergone all four transitions emerge into an era of radically
different population dynamics, food surpluses (and waste), abundant
energy use, and expanding economic opportunities. Simultaneously,
in other parts of the world, hundreds of millions remain largely
untouched by these developments. Through erudite storytelling,
Vaclav Smil investigates the fascinating and complex interactions
of these transitions. He argues that the moral imperative to share
modernity's benefits has become more acute with increasing economic
inequality, but addressing this imbalance would make it exceedingly
difficult to implement the changes necessary for the long-term
preservation of the environment. Thus, managing the fifth
transition—environmental changes from natural-resource depletion,
biodiversity loss, and global warming—will determine the success
or eventual failure of the grand transitions that have made the
world we live in today.
General
Imprint: |
Oxford UniversityPress
|
Country of origin: |
United States |
Release date: |
November 2023 |
Authors: |
Vaclav Smil
(Distinguished Professor Emeritus)
|
Dimensions: |
235 x 156mm (L x W) |
Pages: |
384 |
ISBN-13: |
978-0-19-769675-0 |
Categories: |
Books
|
LSN: |
0-19-769675-9 |
Barcode: |
9780197696750 |
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