The Collapsing Bubble: Growth and Fossil EnergyA courageous look at the world's dwindling energy resources. Contending that the energy debate has been cast in the wrong terms, Grant suggests that the problem would not be solved by asking: "What energy sources will be available to replace fossil fuels?' but by questioning: "What populations can be supported at a decent standard by the energy sources that will be available after the transition from fossil fuels?' Taking a brave stand, Grant suggests that with a bit of luck-we may be able to create a more harmonious balance with the rest of the biosphere, but at much lower population levels and less consumptive habits. |
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40 percent agriculture American annual arable land billion barrels billion tons biomass energy Black Death century Chapter chemical feedstock China climate change climate warming coal competition conventional costs decline demand demographic direct solar DOE/EIA E.F. Schumacher electricity emissions Energy Council WEC energy sources energy transition environment environmental estimates feedstock figure fossil energy fossil fuels future George Perkins Marsh grid hydrogen Hydrogen Economy Hydropower IGCC impact industrial world land per capita less developed countries limited Lindsey Grant lower population National natural gas NPG FORUM nuclear power oil and gas optimum population overshoot peak petroleum photosynthesis plant pollution population growth present level problem projection renewable energy replace reserve growth rising sea level smaller population solar energy source of energy stop supply threat trillion U.S. energy U.S. population United uranium USGS Walter Youngquist wind energy wind power World Energy Council world population worldwide yields