Sunlight and seaweed: an argument for how to feed, power and clean up the world

Description

The population bomb -- The state of the planet -- Eclipse : the twilight of fossil fuels -- The unique power of concentrated sunlight -- Sullied soils and waters -- The big clean-up -- The future of farming -- The power of kelp -- A vision of the world in 2050.;Acclaimed scientist Tim Flannery investigates exciting new technologies currently being developed to address our most pressing environmental threats in a book that presents a positive future for us and our planet. Climate change, food production and toxic pollution present huge challenges, but, as Flannery shows, we already have innovative, practical and inspiring solutions. Solar energy has, until now, been limited to supplying power only when the sun is shining. But new technology using concentrated sunlight to provide intense heat energy that can be effectively stored overcomes this problem, providing clean renewable power around the clock. Further, the large amounts of power produced can be used to tackle the issue of feeding the world's growing population-by enabling energy-intense methods of purifying polluted land for agricultural production. Drawing carbon out of the atmosphere is an essential component in limiting climate change. Flannery explores the potential of kelp, a fast-growing sea algae, to be used on a large scale to convert carbon from the air to a non-gaseous form, reducing levels of atmospheric carbon. With accessible and engaging explanations of the fascinating science behind these technologies, as well as accounts of the systems already in operation around the world, Sunlight and Seaweed is an enlightening and uplifting view of the future. The population bomb -- The state of the planet -- Eclipse : the twilight of fossil fuels -- The unique power of concentrated sunlight -- Sullied soils and waters -- The big clean-up -- The future of farming -- The power of kelp -- A vision of the world in 2050.