Apress's latest release Power Plays: Energy Options in the Age of Peak Oil by Robert Rapier reflects on the beliefs among people who are concerned about resource depletion and the debate on peak oil. These beliefs cover a wide span and include those who believe that a peak is imminent, followed by a catastrophic decline. Those who believe peak oil will inevitably lead to cleaner or for that matter, dirtier environments as we become more desperate for energy and turn to more oil sands and coal to replace declining oil supplies. So how has the energy driven expansion over the last 250 years changed the way we live? What kind of risks and tradeoffs has structural dependency on energy usage brought about? Most importantly, is there such a thing as a perfect energy policy?
There are three broad beliefs that influence Rapier's writing in Power Plays
We must transition away from fossil fuels with a sense of urgency, for reasons discussed in this book.
To achieve this transition, we need to develop systems and services with a much lower fossil fuel dependency. Rapier shows how to ensure adequate energy supplies during the transition.
During the transition process, we must take care of our air, water, and especially our top soil to preserve our ability to feed the population.
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