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Our society faces a choice. We could be enjoying a sustainable lifestyle but we have chosen not to. In three generations we have consumed half the oil produced by photosynthesis over eight million generations. In two generations we have used half our uranium resources. With threats from global warming, oil depletion and nuclear disaster, we are running out of options. Solar power, as Keith Barnham explains, is our necessary solution. In The Burning Answer he uncovers the connections between physics and politics that have resulted in our dependence on a high-carbon lifestyle, which only a solar revolution can now overcome. Einstein's famous equation E=mc2 led to the atomic bomb and the widespread use of nuclear energy; it has delayed a solar revolution in many countries. In a fascinating tour of recent scientific history, Keith Barnham reveals Einstein's other, less famous equation, the equation the world could have relied on. Barnham explains that the roots of solar energy lie in a little known equation E=hf, an equation which was coincidentally celebrated (and explained to the world) by Einstein in the same year he discovered E=mc2. He alleges that the former equation has been overlooked in favor of the latter, much to our detriment, and Barnham is here to offer us a solution: We can still turn things around and solar energy is the key. While everyone is aware of solar energy, people are still not paying enough attention, and so as well as explaining the science behind it, Barnham takes his subject forward to advise on what we should be doing to utilize this amazing energy source. In this provocative, inspiring, passionately argued book, Keith Barnham outlines actions that any one and all of us can take to make an impact now and on future generations. The Burning Answer is a solar manifesto for the new climate-aware generation and a must-read for climate-change skeptics. Publisher
The world faces an unsustainable trajectory due to rapid consumption of finite resources, necessitating a shift towards solar power. The book argues that humanity has neglected solar energy in favor of nuclear power, a path influenced by Einstein's E=mc² equation, which led to nuclear weapons and energy. Keith Barnham posits that Einstein's less famous E=hf equation, related to solar energy, has been overlooked, hindering a necessary solar revolution. The author aims to demonstrate how physics and politics have shaped our dependence on carbon-based energy and advocates for a solar-powered future, outlining actionable steps for individuals and society.
The book presents a provocative argument for solar energy as the essential solution to global environmental and resource crises, drawing connections between scientific discovery and political decisions. It critiques the historical emphasis on nuclear power, influenced by Einstein's E=mc², suggesting that his E=hf equation, fundamental to solar energy, has been unduly neglected. The author provides both scientific explanations and actionable advice, positioning the work as a manifesto for a climate-aware generation. The reception suggests the book is intended to inspire and inform readers about the potential and necessity of a solar-powered future.
Page Count:
386
Publication Date:
2015-01-01
ISBN-10:
160598776X
ISBN-13:
9781605987767
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