Reviews
鈥淧rofessor Jaccard tackles the two key global energy problems, an apparent shortage of oil and a dangerous build up of CO 2 in the atmosphere, and presents an original perspective on how simultaneously to resolve them with such clarity that it appears obvious 鈥� after you have read the book! 鈥� The text provides a balanced mix of serious economics and science, presented in easy-to-understand language and with just the right addition of everyday examples and quiet humor.鈥�
~ Dr. Jon Gibbins, Professor, Energy Technology for Sustainable Development Group, Mechanical Engineering Department, Imperial College
"Mark Jaccard skillfully makes the case that those who leave modifying the way we use fossil fuels out of any plan to achieve "sustainability" in our energy systems surely confuse means with ends. If our objectives are to improve energy security and protect the environment at reasonable cost, he makes clear that, with a little bit of ingenuity and resolve, our extensive fossil fuel resources could well be our best friend rather than our worst enemy."
~ Dr. John Weyant, Professor, Department of Management Science and Engineering, Stanford University
鈥淛accard's well-researched study injects a much-needed dose of reality into the discussion of a 鈥榮ustainable鈥� energy system. It is the voice of the economist tempered by extensive practical experience in the field and an evident concern for the future of our environment.鈥�
~ Dr. H. Jake Jacoby, Professor of Management and Co-Director of the MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
鈥淒iscussions of energy options too often oversimplify the world into good guys and bad guys. In his latest book, Mark Jaccard has done us all a service. He has brought cool analysis and common sense to a complex area of public policy fraught with myth and image management. His objective is to consider what might constitute a more sustainable energy system and in this he considers not only the usual suspects (energy efficiency, nuclear and renewables) but the unusual 鈥� fossil fuels. In doing so, he moves beyond the simplistic rhetoric and offers us practical policy recommendations that deserve serious consideration.鈥�
~ Milton Catelin, Chief Executive, World Coal Institute
"Does preventing global warming require an end to fossil fuels? Jaccard makes a strong case that significant fossil fuel use and climate protection can co-exist, without harming economic growth. Read the book and decide for yourself."
~ David Hawkins, Director, Climate Center, Natural Resources Defense Council
鈥淛accard鈥檚 book offers an important perspective on the major challenges posed by conventional energy. CO 2 emissions from fossil fuel burning must be curbed and oil dependence must be reduced to address climate-change and oil-supply-insecurity concerns. Many understand that this implies making energy use more efficient and increasing renewable energy roles. But few realize that fossil energy technologies can be modified at relatively low incremental costs to help address these concerns with CO 2 capture and storage technologies. This book addresses this issue. It is a marvelous primer showing why this option must be taken seriously by policymakers and the general public.鈥�
~ Dr. Robert Williams, Senior Research Scientist, Princeton Environmental Institute, Princeton University
鈥淢ark Jaccard鈥檚 analysis of the potential contribution of fossil fuels provides a much-needed contrast to the more extreme views of imminent resource exhaustion.鈥�
~ Dr. G. Campbell Watkins, co-editor of The Energy Journal
鈥淭his is an optimistic book. It significantly broadens energy perspectives. In the general discourse, energy is often associated with serious challenges: security of supply, peace, climate change, many other environmental issues, and the unfilled needs of energy services for economic growth and poverty alleviation for a majority of the world's population. This book presents new technically and economically feasible options that promise to address these challenges. There is light in the tunnel, and it is now up to all stakeholders, and our political processes, to realize these options! I strongly recommend this book to all concerned about our common future!鈥�
~ Dr. Thomas Johansson, Professor and Director, International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics, Lund University 鈥� formerly Director of the Energy and Atmosphere Programme of the Bureau for Development Policy in the United Nations Development Programme.
鈥淧rofessor Jaccard's book provides a very important addition to the policy debate over future sources of energy in a climate constrained world that is trying to become environmentally sustainable. At the heart of his book is the idea that "Renewables and zero emission fossil fuels will compete for the dominant position in meeting the needs of a sustainable energy system over the coming century". He finds that zero (carbon) emissions fossil fuels are likely to have a cost advantage over renewables and in any event renewables, he argues, "would be hard pressed to overtake fossil fuels by the end of the century". Whilst a number of published scenarios challenge this view, particularly for the period beyond the 2050s, he has marshalled a lot of arguments that are worthy of serious debate and further research. Although I am not convinced, I would urge all involved in this debate to read this important book!
~ Bill Hare, Visiting Scientist, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research 鈥� formerly led the Greenpeace International work on the Kyoto Protocol.
