Understanding the Global Energy Crisis

Cover -- Copyright -- Dedication -- Table of Contents -- Foreword -- Preface -- Introduction -- Part 1: The Global Energy Crisis in Context -- Chapter 1: Reflections on Energy, Greenhouse Gases, and Carbonaceous Fuels -- 1.1. Introduction: Man's Quest for Energy -- 1.2. Earth's Atmosphere and Greenhouse Gases -- Chapter 2: Global Energy Policy Perspectives -- 2.1. Introduction: Energy Demand and Expected Growth -- 2.2. United States Energy and Climate Policy -- 2.3. Energy and Climate Policy in the European Union -- 2.4. China Energy and Climate Change Policy -- 2.5. Russia Energy and Climate Change Policy -- 2.6. Brazil Energy and Climate Change Policy -- 2.7. India Energy and Climate Change Policy -- Chapter 3: Social Engagement by the Engineer -- 3.1. Introduction -- 3.2. Social Systems -- 3.3. Common Authentic Values and Principles -- Part 2: Energy Conversion Technology -- Chapter 4: Harnessing Nature: Wind, Hydro, Wave, Tidal, and Geothermal Energy -- 4.1. Introduction -- 4.2. Wind Energy -- 4.3. Hydroelectric Energy -- 4.4. Wave and Tidal Energy -- 4.5. Geothermal Energy -- 4.6. Impact of Renewable Technologies on Electricity Grid Developments -- Chapter 5: Solar Power and the Enabling Role of Nanotechnology -- 5.1. Introduction -- 5.2. Solar Power Overview -- 5.3. Nanotechnology -- 5.4. Solar Photovoltaics -- 5.5. Thermoelectrics -- 5.6. Nanotechnology in Other Energy Applications -- Chapter 6: Biofuel Prospects in an Uncertain World -- 6.1. Biofuels History -- 6.2. First Generation Biofuels -- 6.3. Second Generation Biofuels -- 6.4. Conclusions: Major Challenges and Opportunities -- Chapter 7: A Future Role for Nuclear Energy? -- 7.1. Introduction: Essentials of Nuclear Energy -- 7.2. History of Nuclear Engineering -- 7.3. Current Status of Nuclear Energy -- 7.4. Nuclear Energy Safety -- 7.5. Nuclear Accidents and Impacts.