The
book I chose to read was The Great
Transition: Shifting from Fossil Fuels
to Solar and Wind Energy, by Lester R. Brown. What drew me to read this
specific book was because I have such a fascination about alternate forms of
energy. As you can tell from the title of this book majority of the topics
revolve around the more recent solar and wind energy markets.
The
beginning of the book started off quite similar to Bill McKibben’s Eaarth, and it also has the same feel in
regards to having a large number of statistics thrown at you all at once.
Though this is where things changed completely from Eaarth. As most of you who are reading this know, McKibben’s book
is quite depressing, going on and on about the almost infinitive reasons on how
we are destroying our planet. This book how ever put a smile on my face quite
quickly. The statistics in this book really show that us humans are actually
trying to make stride to step away from fossil fuels in a positive way.
Right away on the first page of the
first chapter Brown states, “The worldwide transition from fossil fuels to
renewable sources of energy is under way.” (Page 16) Then goes on to give a
very powerful statistic saying, “We can now see this new economy starting to
take shape. We saw it in 2013, when Denmark generated 34 percent of its
electricity from the wind. In January 2014, wind supplied a whopping 62 percent
of that country’s electricity. Portugal and Spain each got over 20 percent from
wind in 2013, and Ireland, 17 percent.” (Pages 16-17) These statements really
do show that first world countries, who are the leading causes to climate
change are making large strides in renewable energy.
The
book goes into detail about many different topics like nuclear power, fossil
fuels and how they affect the economy. Also about how large companies like
Exxon-Mobil, Shell, and Chevron are trying to keep fossil fuels in the
mainstream economy. Some other topics include the price of wind and solar energy
and how technology is bringing down the cost so eventually it can be cheap
enough for everyone to switch over.
These
are some of the interesting topics in the book thus far! I am excited to see
what else has to come, but so far it has been a more positive experience!
Great that it is more positive and seems to show that the needed transition is, in fact, possible!
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to think that there is change happening. It may not be happening in the United States and it probably wont happen anytime soon, but I am glad other countries are taking the initiative. It is weird to think that, with all these other countries making the transition, United States is not going to be the leader anymore.
ReplyDeleteI am really glad that your book is more positive! The transition is going to be challenging that is for sure but I didn't realize that countries are already trying to rely on alternative sources of energy.
ReplyDeleteI think wind and solar are great sources of energy and its good to see that at least a few contries are making progress. Hopefully as the technology is improved and prices fall we will be able to make this transition in america as well.
ReplyDeleteI remember when solar and wind power first started to be discussed more seriously and seeing a graphic (which i cannot find unfortunately) that showed how costs of these technologies will decrease very very rapidly as research and demand increased. It was surprising and I didn't fully understand it, but it seems that this prediction was correct as we are seeing this technology become more and more prevalent in our everyday lives. I remember driving across Germany when I visited there a few summers ago, and seeing fields upon fields full of 70 or 80 windmills silently turning. It was actually quite picturesque and it makes you feel good seeing that sort of effort being put towards curbing emissions.
ReplyDeleteIt is very heartening to hear that our world is not doomed. The fact that we are slowly but surely making the necessary changes at least gives me some hope that if we speed up the process we may get it done on time.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I find it so amazing that we're coming so close to shifting over to renewable energy sources like wind and solar. The concept almost seems futuristic, therefore seeing it happening in the now is extremely exciting, especially hearing statistics like wind providing 62% of Denmark's electricity. I'm looking forward to reading more of your posts on this book and learning more about renewable energy sources.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that not all books about climate change revolve around the "doom and gloom" of our current situation. Renewable energy is such an exciting concept that seems quite possible, even though it will take time and money (which we do not really have anymore). Hopefully these changes can occur and that we have still have a chance to save this planet.
ReplyDeleteMy update to 2016 presentation was related to solar and wind power! It's uplifting to know that not everybody believes we're completely doomed and can work to improve our future, such as the author of this book as well as Dr. Karowe who spoke optimistically of limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius.
ReplyDelete