THE ENERGY TRAP

by ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 13, 1975

The economic goal of an ever larger GNP vs. the increasingly rapid depletion of fossil fuel and the growing pollution created by its burning -- this is the energy trap which Halacy hopes to escape by deemphasizing such limited ""capital"" energy sources in favor of the ""income"" (unlimited) energy to he had from wind, water, sun and tides (ultimately, all solar sources). Considering the dangers and high cost of nuclear energy (including fusion which might not even be scientifically feasible), he urges research on such still far out proposals as a satellite power station, a ""solar farm"" in the desert, and a sea-thermal-energy plant. Halacy is understandably dubious about our ability to take the alternative route of reduced energy consumption (though his examples of what might be eliminated -- large cars, jet travel, dishwashers, garbage disposals and swimming pool heaters -- underrates the likely impact of any significant reduction). His skeptical view of nuclear power is refreshing, and at the same time he makes no unduly optimistic claims for the course he does propose.

Pub Date: Jan. 13, 1975

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 144

Publisher: Four Winds

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1975

Categories: NONFICTION