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UIT by David J.C. MacKay Search David J.C. MacKay
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Customer Reviews:
A balanced view
This book explains in simple terms how much energy we need and how much we can generate. You don't have to agree with the authors conclusions but it does take you into the debate and gives you lots of references to follow up. Prof Mackay goes out of his way to keep it simple and to dispell misconceptions. Towards the end you might think you can't take any more, but his thoroughness is impressive and necessary. After reading the book you'll be able to see straight through irrational statements made by politicians and the like. You might also start looking at how to reduce your own energy needs.
Essential reading
This is by far the best book I have read on these crucially important topics of Sustainability and Climate Change. It's absolutely comprehensive. Every single aspect of the problems are analysed in meticulous detail, and numbers calculated for all the key statistics. As he says, he's not pushing specific solutions but making a plea for any solutions that are proposed to be grounded in reality. The sad fact is that most of what is spoken on these issues is prejudiced, uninformed and unrealistic.
A model thesis 
The author has considered every source of energy and all modes of its creation, use and the future. The mathematical analysis has taken nearly 95% of variables into account hence can be considered as accurate. The overall energy audit of the earth has been done with real good diligence. I liked reading the book even though there was not much light or direction for the future. Such is the nature of energy sources and usage pattern that a better prediction will take a long time to come. The book is good to be used as a stepping stone for further research in a big way and a guide for designing new projects in a limited way. It makes a very good reference book.
Anyone with a real interest in the future of energy NEEDS to read this
We've all been alarmed by the news about global warning and the impact of burning fossil fuels; and we've all listened to the impassioned claims of the devotees of various types of solution, be they renewable, nuclear, or more esoteric. We've all been nagged to unplug our phone chargers and turn off our computers. But does any of this make any difference, and if not, what will?
This book applies a massive dose of common sense and sound physics to all of these questions and comes up with some fascinating answers. It also equips us all with a handy mental toolkit for assessing any future claims. It's written in a lively and readable style, while being packed to the gunwales with information and sound analysis. The pictures and graphs are an object lesson in how to reveal the meaning of complicated numbers in a simple way.
The news is not entirely gloomy: it's possible to see a future in which we all live in much more efficient houses, travel around as much as we do now but in more sensible forms of transport (mostly trains!), and yet don't wreck the planet while we do it.
Breath of fresh air
Nothing to add to the previous reviews other than a positive vote for this excellent book.
The most important message is that we must do the numbers and it is not difficult to do a better job of this than most reporters and politicians.
Excellent book, let's just hope that he is still allowed to talk sense now he is working as Chief Scientific Advisor to the Department of Energy and Climate Change.
Excellent
Nick Grant
Energy and water consultant
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Paperback: 384 pages; Publisher: UIT Cambridge Ltd. (February 20, 2009); Language: English; ISBN-10: 0954452933; ISBN-13: 978-0954452933. Labels: Carbon Trading, Green IT, sustainable development. posted by Tom Worthington at 8:38 AM ...
http://www.tomw.net.au/blog/2009/06/sustainable-energy-without-hot-air.html
sustainable energy - without the hot air
paperback: 384 pages; publisher: uit cambridge ltd. (february 20, 2009); language: english; isbn-10: 0954452933; isbn-13: 978-0954452933; product dimensions: 8.7 x 7.7 x 0.9 inches; shipping weight: 1.8 pounds (view shipping rates and ...
http://www.ecotechguide.com/alternative-and-renewable-energy/sustainable-energy-without-the-hot-air
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Sustainable Energy - Without the Hot Air - download here
ISBN/ASIN: 0954452933. ISBN-13: 9780954452933. Number of pages: 383. Description: Addressing the sustainable energy crisis in an objective manner, this enlightening book analyzes the relevant numbers and organizes a plan for change on ...
http://www.e-booksdirectory.com/details.php?ebook=2649
