The Earth has entered a new age―the Anthropocene―in which humans are the most powerful influence on global ecology. Since the mid-twentieth century; the accelerating pace of energy use; greenhouse gas emissions; and population growth has thrust the planet into a massive uncontrolled experiment. The Great Acceleration explains its causes and consequences; highlighting the role of energy systems; as well as trends in climate change; urbanization; and environmentalism.More than any other factor; human dependence on fossil fuels inaugurated the Anthropocene. Before 1700; people used little in the way of fossil fuels; but over the next two hundred years coal became the most important energy source. When oil entered the picture; coal and oil soon accounted for seventy-five percent of human energy use. This allowed far more economic activity and produced a higher standard of living than people had ever known―but it created far more ecological disruption.We are now living in the Anthropocene. The period from 1945 to the present represents the most anomalous period in the history of humanity’s relationship with the biosphere. Three-quarters of the carbon dioxide humans have contributed to the atmosphere has accumulated since World War II ended; and the number of people on Earth has nearly tripled. So far; humans have dramatically altered the planet’s biogeochemical systems without consciously managing them. If we try to control these systems through geoengineering; we will inaugurate another stage of the Anthropocene. Where it might lead; no one can say for sure.
#1138984 in Books 2015-06-08Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.40 x 1.60 x 6.30l; .0 #File Name: 0674368185496 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. it is well researched and provides useful information of the social and policy issues related to ...By CustomerA much needed and comprehensive book that needs editing. Much of the technical parts can be explained more clearly. The text is at times choppy partly because of the amount of content the book includes. It may help to work on chapter structure to help the reader see how individual parts fit.Other than that; it is well researched and provides useful information of the social and policy issues related to race in the US.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great book on economics; inequality; and race more generallyBy Luis-DurhamThis is written as a textbook at the middle or upper undergraduate level. But it has many other features.It is wonderfully written; with all types of great points and insights that defy what you think you believe. It is abstract without being confusing.Another good point of the book is that it goes beyond the topic of discrimination; which is what everyone has in mind when they think about race and economic; and takes into account many other issues -have a look at the table of contents.Finally; it is a great; up to date; literature review.
