With the general reader in mind, Clean Energy, Climate and Carbon outlines the global challenge of decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. It covers the changing concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide through time and its causes, before considering the promise and the limitations of a wide range of energy technologies for decreasing carbon dioxide emissions.

Despite the need to decrease carbon dioxide, the global use of fossil fuels is increasing and is likely to continue to do so for some decades to come. With this in mind, the book looks at the range of clean energy technologies and considers in detail, what for many people is the unfamiliar clean energy technology of carbon capture and storage (CCS). How can we capture carbon dioxide from flue gases? How do we transport it? How do we store it in suitable rocks? What are suitable rocks and where do we find them? How do we know the carbon dioxide will remain trapped once it is injected underground? What does CCS cost and how do those costs compare with other technology options?

The book also explores the political environment in which the discussion on clean energy technology options is occurring. What will a price on carbon do for technology uptake and what are the prospects of cutting our emissions by 2020 and of making even deeper cuts by 2050? What will the technology mix look like by that time?

For people who are concerned about climate change, or who want to learn more about clean energy technologies, including CCS, this is the definitive view of the opportunities and the challenges we face in decreasing emissions despite a seemingly inexorable global increase in energy demand.

Reviews

…, the book does provide an uncomplicated discussion of the issues and the various clean energy technologies that can assist in managing carbon dioxide emissions.

The book is easy to read with good basic information and some comments and observations that will provoke thought on the issues surrounding clean enethe costly and relatively unproductive malaise that seems to be our current approach.

Frank van Schagen, Editor Energy Generation

APT - 1368 Energy Generation April-June 2012

[This is] a book for the general reader who wants to understand the science on this topic through the eyes of an intelligent author with great skills at clarifying exceptionally complex topics.

…the book is certainly not a sterile review of a collection of scientific papers. Indeed, the first two chapters on the climate change topic are filled with easy-to understand diagrams and photographs that clearly and carefully explain the phenomenon.

Professor Cook is to be congratulated in writing a book for the general reader who wants to be informed. It is perfect for this audience.

John Burgess

Chemistry in Australia, July 2012

Cook's writing is eloquent and, to a convert like me, persuasive. I hope that decision-makers will take note of his hard-headed advice about ...