by Richard Heinberg. Heinberg presents an extraordinary assessment of the stark realities that will confront people in a post-fossil-fuel world. He claims that grave problems of energy depletion, environmental degradation, and overpopulation loom over the horizon and should be urgently addressed. The book begins with an overview of oil and gas depletion. The next four chapters focus on four major options available to industrial societies over the next four decades. Chapter 2 discusses the path of competition for remaining resources, while chapter 3 examines the path of cooperation, conservation, and sharing. In chapter 4 Heinberg emphasizes that it is unrealistic to wait for a magic elixir that will facilitate a painless transition in which market forces come to the rescue and avert a catastrophic collapse. The fourth option is explained in chapter 5, as the author urges economies to be "relocalized" so as to build community lifeboats. In the final chapter, Heinberg explores how important groups within global society--decision-making elites of government, finance and industry, the antiwar and antiglobalization movements, and ordinary people--are likely to choose among these four options. An exceptionally well-written volume. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. Particularly useful to senior undergraduate and graduate audiences. --Choice (Check Catalog)
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