Descripciones mejoradas de Syndetics:

Global warming and climate change present complex interlocking issues of public policy, multilateral negotiation, and technological advancement. This book explores both the problems and the opportunities presented by international agreements, and examines the technological developments and policy goals that can be pursued to effect the changes necessary. Specific steps are proposed in the form of a list of priorities.

This book represents a cooperative enterprise between two authors of different backgrounds - engineering and international relations - and is directed to an educated but non-professional lay audience without any formal training in either science or international relations. The points of view of negotiators from both developed and developing nations are presented and compared. Each topic is presented from both technical and policy perspectives as a means to evaluate the variety of proposals that have been offered as remedies to global warming.

The text is supported by illustrations and tables where appropriate, including a list of References at the end of each chapter.

Tabla de contenidos provista por Syndetics

• Preface(p. xi)
• Acknowledgments(p. xiv)
• 1 In the Beginning(p. 1)
• Introduction(p. 1)
• 1.1 The Viewpoint Taken(p. 1)
• 1.2 What is Your Problem?(p. 6)
• 1.3 The Challenges We Face(p. 9)
• Notes and References(p. 14)
• 2 A View of Geopolitics(p. 16)
• Introduction(p. 16)
• 2.1 Are There Limits to Growth?(p. 17)
• 2.2 Public Goods and Public "Bads"(p. 23)
• 2.3 Policymaking and Negotiations(p. 27)
• Notes and References(p. 31)
• 3 Surveying the Field(p. 33)
• Introduction(p. 33)
• 3.1 A History of Change(p. 34)
• 3.2 Measuring Energy(p. 38)
• 3.3 Supply: Where Do We Get It?(p. 39)
• 3.4 Demand: How Do We Use It?(p. 42)
• 3.5 Will We Run Out of Oil? Or Gas?(p. 43)
• 3.6 Forms of Energy(p. 50)
• Notes and References(p. 53)
• 4 Global Warming(p. 55)
• Introduction(p. 55)
• 4.1 Temperature of the Planet(p. 57)
• 4.2 Greenhouse Gases(p. 58)
• 4.3 Is Global Warming Our Fault?(p. 66)
• 4.4 The RF Index(p. 67)
• 4.5 Air Pollution Revisited(p. 69)
• 4.6 Immediate or Short-Term Remedies(p. 71)
• 4.7 Limits to Growth and the Commons Revisited(p. 74)
• 4.8 Sequestration(p. 76)
• Notes and References(p. 78)
• 5 Renewable Energy(p. 81)
• Introduction(p. 81)
• 5.1 Hydroelectric Power(p. 83)
• 5.2 Biofuels(p. 85)
• 5.3 Wind Power(p. 89)
• 5.4 Power from Tides and Waves(p. 91)
• 5.5 Direct Use of Solar Energy(p. 93)
• 5.6 Nuclear Energy(p. 96)
• 5.7 Geothermal Energy(p. 97)
• 5.8 Indirect Emissions and Hidden Costs(p. 98)
• Notes and References(p. 100)
• 6 Energy Storage(p. 103)
• Introduction(p. 103)
• 6.1 Batteries and Fuel Cells(p. 104)
• 6.2 Syngas and Liquid Fuels(p. 107)
• 6.3 Hydrogen Gas(p. 109)
• 6.4 Pumped Water or Compressed Air(p. 111)
• 6.5 Hot Water or Molten Salt(p. 112)
• 6.6 Flywheels(p. 114)
• Notes and References(p. 114)
• 7 The Negotiating Process(p. 116)
• Introduction(p. 116)
• 7.1 A Period of Transition(p. 117)
• 7.2 Our Worst Fears(p. 118)
• 7.3 Guidance from a Theory of Bargaining(p. 121)
• 7.4 Useful Lessons from the Past(p. 122)
• 7.5 What Should a Treaty Accomplish?(p. 125)
• 7.6 Where We are Heading(p. 128)
• Notes and References(p. 129)
• 8 From Theory to Practice(p. 131)
• Introduction(p. 131)
• 8.1 Different Regimes and Perspectives(p. 132)
• 8.2 Improving the Prospects(p. 134)
• 8.3 The Debate on Venues(p. 138)
• 8.4 Bargaining Strategies: Domestic and International(p. 143)
• 8.5 Big Bang or Accelerated Incrementalism?(p. 145)
• 8.6 Choices in the Context of Risk(p. 147)
• Notes and References(p. 148)
• 9 Where Do We Go from Here?(p. 150)
• Introduction(p. 150)
• 9.1 Is the Feasible Insufficient?(p. 151)
• 9.2 Fiscal Measures(p. 155)
• 9.3 A Complicated Question(p. 157)
• 9.4 An Overall Assessment(p. 160)
• 9.5 Choices and Priorities(p. 161)
• 9.6 Caveats(p. 166)
• 9.7 A To-Do List(p. 167)
• Notes and References(p. 169)
• 10 A List of Priorities(p. 171)
• Introduction(p. 171)
• 10.1 Short-Term Gains: Less than 10 Years(p. 172)
• 10.2 Medium-Term Improvements: 10-20 Years(p. 176)
• 10.3 Long-Term Solutions: More than 20 Years(p. 178)
• 10.4 Plan A and Plan B, Simultaneously(p. 182)
• Notes and References(p. 187)
• 11 Prospects After Copenhagen(p. 188)
• Introduction(p. 188)
• 11.1 Costly Failure or Small Success?(p. 189)
• 11.2 Reframing the Debate(p. 196)
• 11.3 The Good News and the Bad News(p. 200)
• 11.4 The China Problem(p. 206)
• 11.5 Third World Dilemmas(p. 209)
• 11.6 Polarized Politics(p. 211)
• Notes and References(p. 218)
• Index(p. 223)

Reseñas proporcionadas por Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Perlmutter (Univ. of Pennsylvania) and Rothstein (Colgate Univ.) provide an overview of the myriad issues surrounding the future of energy as it relates to global climate change, culminating in a synthesis of the Copenhagen Accord and specific recommendations for decisive action in the next few decades. While acknowledging the uncertainty associated with climate change projections, they consistently argue that existing evidence of climate change and its impacts warrants action to preserve the environment for future generations. Their analysis of this important problem is insightful and considers the factors impeding adoption of fossil fuel alternatives, ranging from economic interests, equitability, and technological limitations to political strategies and motivations. There are a few instances in which the authors' wording could be misread. For example, the World Meteorological Association reported that 2000-09 was the warmest decade on record, not the "warmest ever" (p. 3). But these instances are rare and do not detract from the overall contribution of this book, which is a unique perspective on why there has been so much inaction on climate change, given the wealth of evidence that a serious problem exists, and what specific steps should be taken now to move in the right direction. Summing Up: Recommended. All academic, professional, and general readers. J. Schoof Southern Illinois University

Notas de autor provistas por Syndetics

Daniel D. Perlmutter is Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, and has served as Chair of the Chemical Engineering Department at the University and as University Ombudsman. His contributions were recognized by a Lindbach Award for excellence in teaching, Guggenheim Foundation Award for research, tow Fulbright Fellowships, and the Lectureship Award of the American Association for Engineering Education. His research focused on the dynamics and control of chemical reaction system, yielded three books and many publications in professional journals.
Robert L. Rothstein was the Harvey Picker Distinguished Professor of International Relations at Colgate University. He has published widely on the international negotiating process and peace processes in protracted conflicts and has been awarded a variety of prestigious fellowships, including the Rockefeller Foundation, the Carnegie Foundation, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, and the U.S. Institute of Peace. He has also been a consultant to the Department of State and a number of foundations and international institutions.