THE ELECTRIC WISHING WELL: The Solution to the Energy Crisis

by Joseph J. DiCerto ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 19, 1976

According to DiCerto, a TV consultant and producer, ""The apparent energy crisis is a classic example of not seeing the forest for the trees."" He argues that our present energy shortage is the result of a self-imposed limitation: we have chosen nonrenewable fossil fuels as our prime source of energy; we could have made and can make a different choice. Voila! The electric wishing well--electricity supplied by solar, wind, geothermal, and tidal power and by burning solid wastes (a source of heat, oil, and gas). Lengthy discussions of the mechanics of these alternative technologies, including descriptions of magnetohydrodynamics and laser fusion, are interrupted by assurances of how easy it will be to convert, even though many of these methods are barely developed to the point at which they can generate enough electricity for a single light bulb. Exploring future methodologies is one thing; underestimating scientific obstacles is another. This wishing well rings hollow.

Pub Date: Nov. 19, 1976

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Macmillan

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1976

Categories: NONFICTION