A frank and balanced investigation of the economics and politics of oil Within thirty years, even by conservative estimates, we will have burned ou...
read full description
reviews
May 05, 2008
Paul
rated it: 
While apparently promising, this book turned out to be a total disappointment. The author accurately describes the problem of dependance on oil and the need for a new energy economy, but then consistently capitulates to the capitalist economy which is the root of the climate change problem. Rather than honestly discussing what it's going to take to stop global warming, he goes way out of his way to make sure capitalists don't lose any money by changing things too fast. Basically what he calls
More...
Jan 03, 2011
This book outlines the history of our relationship with energy and the crisis we have reached as we come to the peak in easily available oil. We are taken through the development of the oil economy and shown how oil engineers international relationships, with some interesting insights into the relationship between the USA and Saudi Arabia.
My biggest disappointment was that the book was very conservative when looking at energy futures. There is a chapter on conservation and efficienc More...
My biggest disappointment was that the book was very conservative when looking at energy futures. There is a chapter on conservation and efficienc More...
Feb 14, 2010
Andrew
rated it: 
Paul Roberts gives a pretty comprehensive tour of the the past energy (transitioning from wood --> coal --> oil --> peaking of US oil production), current energy (oil geopolitics, the status of alternative energy forms), and future directions in energy.
Some new insights that I got from this book:
- I always sensed it, but the book articulates well how our interventions in the Middle East (Persian Gulf War --> Iraq Invasion) really centered around oil.
- All the More...
Some new insights that I got from this book:
- I always sensed it, but the book articulates well how our interventions in the Middle East (Persian Gulf War --> Iraq Invasion) really centered around oil.
- All the More...
0 comments
like
(2 people liked it)
Apr 03, 2009
Mike
rated it:
In fairness to my review, the author wrote this well before the mighty price gouge, er increases, of 07-08. He overall seems to do a good, balanced, and mainly, apolitical job (the latter I applaud) of explaining the whys, hows, whens of our coming energy crisis. And it does seem clear to me after reading this, and noticing how the world's habits are stubborn things, that we are in for trouble. This book informed me in fairly direct parlance on how oil reserves are figured, the science to all
More...
Dec 31, 2011
Hong
rated it:
Reading this book is like watching a news documentary. Description on interaction between economy, technology and politics equips me a base to think about the future of economy and to interpret today’s world news.
The book does not worth 330 pages. During the second half of the book, I see the same concept / point being re-circulated numerous times.
Each chapter has a clear focus on one part of a complicated problem. Combing all chapters give an overview. The book is More...
The book does not worth 330 pages. During the second half of the book, I see the same concept / point being re-circulated numerous times.
Each chapter has a clear focus on one part of a complicated problem. Combing all chapters give an overview. The book is More...
Jun 01, 2009
Richard B
rated it: 
Paul Roberts takes a long, deep look at how our energy economy works -- where it came from, where we're at now (running out of "easy oil" and looking down the barrel of climate change), and where we're going. Roberts is a bit conservative on climate change and easy on the energy industries -- but the book is fair, his arguments well-structured (it's a perfect text for teaching argument and research), and well-supported. An extremely important book. On a side note, when I needed a te
More...
0 comments
like
(2 people liked it)
May 19, 2009
Peter
rated it:
Is that a light at the end of the current gloom and doom? No - it's another book on the energy/oil catastrophe heading toward us!
Paul Roberts details the essential nature of energy in our modern world. And oil is at the centre. It is at the centre of our lives (the 3,000 mile salad, suburbia, air travel, plastics etc) and of our politics. What is the real cost of importing oil to the U.S. - don't forget to include the trillions spent on the military bases around the world and current More...
Paul Roberts details the essential nature of energy in our modern world. And oil is at the centre. It is at the centre of our lives (the 3,000 mile salad, suburbia, air travel, plastics etc) and of our politics. What is the real cost of importing oil to the U.S. - don't forget to include the trillions spent on the military bases around the world and current More...
Dec 06, 2010
Don
rated it:
This is one of the most disappointing books I have read in quite some time. It looked interesting so I picked it up. For the first, say 20 pages, it read well an I thought it might be a serious work on a current topic. I read on.
It started sounding more and more extreme and shrill. I researched the author, Paul Roberts, to sadly see that he is a journalist. Not a qualified expert, but he is a sensationalist, with a penchant for the doom and gloom of all mankind. Chicken Little was mor More...
It started sounding more and more extreme and shrill. I researched the author, Paul Roberts, to sadly see that he is a journalist. Not a qualified expert, but he is a sensationalist, with a penchant for the doom and gloom of all mankind. Chicken Little was mor More...
Nov 02, 2011
Anne
rated it:
Yep, I finally finished it after about 4 months which is probably the longest it took me to read a mid-sized book. But then it's not fiction.
Anyway, I *did* like this book. A lot actually. Some of the stats and facts are very alarming but interesting. They certainly made me think about my impact on the environment. Feeling quite smug about not owning a car, using public transport, trying to not waste energy, recycling, etc.
But, I think it could be a lot better. It's just too long. Robe More...
Anyway, I *did* like this book. A lot actually. Some of the stats and facts are very alarming but interesting. They certainly made me think about my impact on the environment. Feeling quite smug about not owning a car, using public transport, trying to not waste energy, recycling, etc.
But, I think it could be a lot better. It's just too long. Robe More...
Sep 24, 2011
Very nice complement to Sustainable Energy without the Hot Air. Whereas the latter shows you the numbers and how they all fit together, this books gives you context. Quick brush through history (Europe went through peak firewood, then switched to coal). Gives me a slightly better understanding of my world, what the stakes are, who the players are.
Seems to have a sort of realistic/pragmatic stance that I tend to admire as a soppy idealist:
* Refusal to create a world of More...
Seems to have a sort of realistic/pragmatic stance that I tend to admire as a soppy idealist:
* Refusal to create a world of More...
Nov 12, 2010
Christopher
rated it:
An interesting book on addressing how the world is going to have to come to terms with an energy economy that is going to have to change from one based mostly on hydrocarbons to other forms that are more sustainable and less damaging to the Blue Marble we call home. It is a methodical and somewhat slow read at times but Roberts does a good job dissecting various points of view and arguments.
I only have two real issues with the book: 1) Roberts continually referes to China and India e More...
I only have two real issues with the book: 1) Roberts continually referes to China and India e More...
Sep 18, 2008
David
rated it:
This is an excellent read, written for both oil optimists and oil pessimists. Whether you are optimistic or pessimistic about the future of oil, Roberts argues compellingly that our short-term energy security relies upon countries that are increasingly hostile to the U.S. and the West, that is the dreaded cartel known as OPEC! Non-OPEC Oil (and gas) fields could peak by as early as 2015, and then we will be even more dependent on oil-exporting nations like Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. Even vast O
More...
0 comments
like
(2 people liked it)
May 13, 2010
Carlos
rated it:
Interesante ensayo sobre las dificultades y retos que se plantean ante el inminente fin de un modelo de desarrollo económico que se ha basado en el fácil acceso a fuentes de energía baratas: los combustibles fósiles. Pero, ¿estamos preparados para afrontar el fin del petróleo? La demanda de energía mundial crece de forma exponencial y las reservas de combustibles fósiles se agotan...
May 15, 2011
Remarkably informative and (seemed to me) unbiased descrition of the current state of the world's energy economy, where it's headed, and what potential futures could be. Gives the pros and cons of various new technologies and describes why there's legitimate resistance to change. Obviously very economically-informed, but still driven by environmental concerns. Highly recommended.
Sep 01, 2011
Ronald
rated it:
This book provides a comprehensive assessment of current energy usage and the economic, environmental, and geopolitical ramifications. It also addresses available and possible ameliorative actions. Published in 2004, it also provided some interesting insights into the Clinton and Bush administrations, and enough of the latter to increase my dismay at the recent election!
Mar 04, 2010
Pj
rated it: 
A sobering, informative, and lucid account of the energy crisis in America. He makes extremely cogent arguments about the merits of conservation (as opposed to increased exploration..which will inevitably become futile)and explains why this approach has not been loudly trumpeted. Makes one shake their head in disgust/sorrow at the "drill-baby-drill" movement.
Nov 19, 2011
Ed
rated it:
Not a terribly cheering read, but very informative.
Nobody seems to have a complete idea as how to make a soft landing into alternative energy sources.
What needs to be done is evident, at least in broad outlines, but how to manage the many aspects of transition in the real world of political pressure, current economics and price structure, is not.
Nobody seems to have a complete idea as how to make a soft landing into alternative energy sources.
What needs to be done is evident, at least in broad outlines, but how to manage the many aspects of transition in the real world of political pressure, current economics and price structure, is not.
Aug 28, 2007
Manderson
rated it:
This book does a great job of explicating how deeply embedded in hydrocarbons our world is, and of how deeply complicated will be the problems of dealing with a world where oil is no longer cheap nor easy to obtain, and in which climate change due to carbon emissions can no longer be ignored. The book is decidedly pessimistic overall in tone, mostly because the author is attempting to understand the oil economy on its own terms, without resorting to idealism or groundless optimism. I would recom
More...
Sep 02, 2011
Lysergius
rated it:
As one of those (few)who does not drive a car the loss of mobility as a consequence of the end of oil is unimportant to me... For the oil based economies that don't have a plan apart from further rape of the planet it will be a disaster... We shall see...
Jan 24, 2009
Lara
rated it:
Dan and I both read this a few months ago and well, it is interesting because it explains some of the voodoo that goes in to oil pricing. It is also cool to understand what kind of supply the world is working with.
Aug 12, 2009
Elisse
rated it:
This is an amazing overview of the problems of the world's fuel system today and the difficulties of finding alternative fuels that everyone can agree on. Quite pessimistic as well as fascinating.
Mar 25, 2011
Luke
rated it:
Has a bold prediction down to the day when the world's oil will run out! (that's actually false, it doesn't have that).
But it does offer a thoughtful review of the impact of oil: its historical use, issues with alternative energy sources, its political and military impact, current supply and production issues, environmental impact, use by emerging markets, etc.
The only problem is that even though this book was published recently in 2004, its already a bit dated in its ana More...
But it does offer a thoughtful review of the impact of oil: its historical use, issues with alternative energy sources, its political and military impact, current supply and production issues, environmental impact, use by emerging markets, etc.
The only problem is that even though this book was published recently in 2004, its already a bit dated in its ana More...
Aug 05, 2011
I love the idea of each home and car generating its own power and being able to link up to a grid to send excess power to and receive power from.
Sep 15, 2010
Kristina
rated it:
Depressing, but interesting, with a little hope thrown in. Makes me wish I could still walk or bike to work. Our country's pursuit of oil has caused a lot of problems--environmental is just the beginning.
Nov 08, 2009
Angela
rated it:
Has this book ever come true. It's interesting to read this book again after a few years and see the predictions that have to come to pass.
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jan 07, 2009
Daniel
rated it: 
It had some interesting ideas, but they were not always well thought out and didn't have good scientific backing.
Mar 14, 2010
excellent insight into the world of oil politics and how oil single handedly is defining geo-political power.
Feb 15, 2010
Ron
rated it:
It was OK. Problem was, I read The Long Emergency already, so the ideas and information weren't new to me, and it didn't present any kind of gripping narrative or new theory to explain where things are going or what it will be like. So I didn't read the whole thing.
Feb 12, 2008
Mickey
rated it:
This is a great book to read. It documents how much oil is left in reserves and where they are. It also shows what types of technologies that will be employed to get that oil. Also, just imagine what type of society we will be living in, once the oil runs out. This book predicts we have hit peak oil or we will hit in a next few years. But as things are going now, oil prices hitting new highs... this may be a book to explain and help you deal with tomorrow's oil problems. Just imagine the resourc
More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Oct 21, 2009
everyone who drives an SUV or car that gets less than 30 miles/gal should read this book
