Technological Trajectories and the Human Environment

Technological Trajectories and the Human Environment
Author :
Publisher : National Academies Press
Total Pages : 225
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9780309051330
ISBN-13 : 0309051339
Rating : 4/5 (30 Downloads)

Synopsis Technological Trajectories and the Human Environment by : National Academy of Engineering

Technological Trajectories and the Human Environment provides a surprising projection of a much greener planet, based on long-range analysis of trends in the efficient use of energy, materials, and land. The authors argue that we will decarbonize the global energy system and drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We will dematerialize the economy by leaner manufacturing, better product design, and smart use of materials. We will significantly increase land areas reserved for nature by conducting highly productive and environmentally friendly agriculture on less land than is used today, even as global population doubles. The book concludes that the technological opportunities before us offer the possibility of a vastly superior industrial ecology. Rich in both data and theory, the book offers fresh analyses essential for everyone in the environmental arena concerned with global change, sustainable development, and profitable investments in technology.

Technological Trajectories and the Human Environment

Technological Trajectories and the Human Environment
Author :
Publisher : National Academies Press
Total Pages : 225
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9780309521277
ISBN-13 : 0309521270
Rating : 4/5 (77 Downloads)

Synopsis Technological Trajectories and the Human Environment by : National Academy of Engineering

Technological Trajectories and the Human Environment provides a surprising projection of a much greener planet, based on long-range analysis of trends in the efficient use of energy, materials, and land. The authors argue that we will decarbonize the global energy system and drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We will dematerialize the economy by leaner manufacturing, better product design, and smart use of materials. We will significantly increase land areas reserved for nature by conducting highly productive and environmentally friendly agriculture on less land than is used today, even as global population doubles. The book concludes that the technological opportunities before us offer the possibility of a vastly superior industrial ecology. Rich in both data and theory, the book offers fresh analyses essential for everyone in the environmental arena concerned with global change, sustainable development, and profitable investments in technology.

Technology and Global Change

Technology and Global Change
Author :
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Total Pages : 468
Release :
ISBN-10 : 0521543320
ISBN-13 : 9780521543323
Rating : 4/5 (20 Downloads)

Synopsis Technology and Global Change by : Arnulf Grübler

This is the first book to comprehensibly describe how technology has shaped society and the environment over the last 200 years. It will be useful for researchers, as a textbook for graduate students, for people engaged in long-term policy planning in industry and government, for environmental activists, and for the wider public interested in history, technology, or environmental issues.

What Technology Wants

What Technology Wants
Author :
Publisher : Penguin
Total Pages : 417
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9780143120179
ISBN-13 : 0143120174
Rating : 4/5 (79 Downloads)

Synopsis What Technology Wants by : Kevin Kelly

From the author of the New York Times bestseller The Inevitable— a sweeping vision of technology as a living force that can expand our individual potential In this provocative book, one of today's most respected thinkers turns the conversation about technology on its head by viewing technology as a natural system, an extension of biological evolution. By mapping the behavior of life, we paradoxically get a glimpse at where technology is headed-or "what it wants." Kevin Kelly offers a dozen trajectories in the coming decades for this near-living system. And as we align ourselves with technology's agenda, we can capture its colossal potential. This visionary and optimistic book explores how technology gives our lives greater meaning and is a must-read for anyone curious about the future.

Global Environmental Challenges of the Twenty-first Century

Global Environmental Challenges of the Twenty-first Century
Author :
Publisher : Rowman & Littlefield
Total Pages : 342
Release :
ISBN-10 : 0842050493
ISBN-13 : 9780842050494
Rating : 4/5 (93 Downloads)

Synopsis Global Environmental Challenges of the Twenty-first Century by : David E. Lorey

The most serious environmental problems of the twenty-first century have the potential to alter the course of life on this planet. Global warming, toxic waste, water and air pollution, acid rain, and shrinking energy supplies are frightening challenges that may threaten our future if we do not face up to them.p Global Environmental Challenges provides important information and gives us hope about the environment. This book first helps us to grasp these difficulties, then shows us the choices we can make. How long to leave a light on, whether to take the car, the train, or bicycle to work, whether to recycle or throw away, whether to vote to curb continued suburban sprawl-all of these decisions can make a difference.p This collection of some of the best essays and articles on the environment comes from a variety of sources, including journals, magazines, websites of ecological/conservation organizations, and other publications.p Five major sections investigate the interaction of population growth,consumption, and environment; the emerging crisis in freshwater around the globe; global climate and atmosphere (including global warming); biodiversity loss; and the concept of sustainable development-using natural resources to place future human development on a sustainable path. The final section on sustainable development reveals how we can take action. As individuals, we can make a difference readily and easily without making huge personal sacrifices. As societies, we can work together in a global community of interest to sustain the earth.p This valuable resource offers readers a better understanding of our environmental problems and presents solutions to improving the health of theplanet.p

Technology and Environment

Technology and Environment
Author :
Publisher : National Academies Press
Total Pages : 232
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9780309044264
ISBN-13 : 030904426X
Rating : 4/5 (64 Downloads)

Synopsis Technology and Environment by : National Academy of Engineering

Technology and Environment is one of a series of publications designed to bring national attention to issues of the greatest importance in engineering and technology during the 25th year of the National Academy of Engineering. A "paradox of technology" is that it can be both the source of environmental damage and our best hope for repairing such damage today and avoiding it in the future. Technology and Environment addresses this paradox and the blind spot it creates in our understanding of environmental crises. The book considers the proximate causes of environmental damageâ€"machines, factories, cities, and so onâ€"in a larger societal context, from which the will to devise and implement solutions must arise. It helps explain the depth and difficulty of such issues as global warming and hazardous wastes but also demonstrates the potential of technological innovation to have a constructive impact on the planet. With a range of data and examples, the authors cover such topics as the "industrial metabolism" of production and consumption, the environmental consequences of the information era, and design of environmentally compatible technologies.

The Industrial Green Game

The Industrial Green Game
Author :
Publisher : National Academies Press
Total Pages : 280
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9780309520423
ISBN-13 : 0309520428
Rating : 4/5 (23 Downloads)

Synopsis The Industrial Green Game by : National Academy of Engineering

Industrial ecology is a concept that has emerged in response to growing public concern about the impact of industry on the environment. In this framework the natural flow (or circulation) of materials and energy that takes place in biological ecosystems becomes a model for more efficient industrial "metabolism." What industrial ecology is and how it may be applied to corporate environmentalism are the subject of The Industrial Green Game. This volume examines industrial circulation of materials, energy efficiency strategies, "green" accounting, life-cycle analysis, and other approaches for preventing pollution and improving performance. Corporate leaders report firsthand on "green" efforts at Ciba-Geigy, Volvo, Kennecott, and Norsk Hydro. And an update is provided on the award-winning industrial symbiosis project in Kalundborg, Denmark. The Industrial Green Game looks at issues of special concern to business, such as measuring and shaping public perceptions and marketing "green" products to consumers. It offers discussions of the appropriate roles of government and private business.

Energy Realities

Energy Realities
Author :
Publisher :
Total Pages : 368
Release :
ISBN-10 : PSU:000048702423
ISBN-13 :
Rating : 4/5 (23 Downloads)

Synopsis Energy Realities by : United States. Congress. House. Committee on Science. Subcommittee on Energy

The Ecology of Industry

The Ecology of Industry
Author :
Publisher : National Academies Press
Total Pages : 160
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9780309063555
ISBN-13 : 0309063558
Rating : 4/5 (55 Downloads)

Synopsis The Ecology of Industry by : National Academy of Engineering

This volume provides insights into the environmental practices of five industry sectors: materials processing, manufacturing, electric utilities, and pulp and paper. The ecology of industry is presented in terms of systems of production and consumption, taking into account the flows of material, energy, capital, and information. The book examines ways to improve the environmental performance of these industries (and others, such as the service sector) and shows how decisions made by industry managers can leverage systemic environmental improvements elsewhere in the economy.

Global Environmental Change

Global Environmental Change
Author :
Publisher : National Academies Press
Total Pages : 321
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9780309044943
ISBN-13 : 0309044944
Rating : 4/5 (43 Downloads)

Synopsis Global Environmental Change by : National Research Council

Global environmental change often seems to be the most carefully examined issue of our time. Yet understanding the human sideâ€"human causes of and responses to environmental changeâ€"has not yet received sustained attention. Global Environmental Change offers a strategy for combining the efforts of natural and social scientists to better understand how our actions influence global change and how global change influences us. The volume is accessible to the nonscientist and provides a wide range of examples and case studies. It explores how the attitudes and actions of individuals, governments, and organizations intertwine to leave their mark on the health of the planet. The book focuses on establishing a framework for this new field of study, identifying problems that must be overcome if we are to deepen our understanding of the human dimensions of global change, presenting conclusions and recommendations.