Delve into the history of energy resource conflicts, their present status, and the potential effects of today's energy production decisions on the future of humanity. This book examines international and sometimes intranational conflicts over energy resources, including ancient empires, 20th-century wars over oil, and the explosive growth of renewable energy. The volume begins with a series of chapters tracing the evolution and future implications of energy production and clashes over these vital resources. Next, readers will discover a collection of essays addressing fascinating yet sometimes contentious facets of the subject, including the current limits of renewable energy sources and the role nuclear power should play. A collection of 50 encyclopedic entries round out the book, providing readers with concise explanations of key concepts and terms. Energy resource conflicts have shaped the world we live in. After humans settled across the planet, growing empires began to compete for resources. First, they competed for wood, then steel and coal. The ability to mine these resources and turn them into trains, ships, and weapons decided which countries would dominate the world. Oil became the most important international resource by the turn of the 20th century and has remained so until the present day. But, as the authors argue, humans have the technology to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy for the vast majority of their energy needs, despite corporate fossil fuel interests. Using advanced statistics on the use and growth of all major energy sources, this book is an excellent source of information on the predicted growth of various forms of energy as well as the inevitable—yet not necessarily peaceful—transition toward renewable and carbon-free energy sources.

Table of Contents:
Introduction Part I Chapter 1: Origins and Causes Overview The History of Energy Types Location, Location, Location: Origins of the Oil Industry Chapter 2: Current Impact and Linkages Overview Modern War Current Geopolitical Conflict Local Conflict Conclusion Chapter 3: Responses Introduction International Responses Technological Responses Carbon Storage Intensive and Expensive Geoengineering Economic Changes Industry Responses to Climate Change National Responses Conclusion Chapter 4: Future Implications Introduction Consequences of Little to No Change in Energy Resource Use Future Energy Projections Based on Current Trends Possible Major Transitions Transitioning Countries Chapter 5: Contributed Essays Introduction The Dangers of Corporate Power Concerning Climate Change by Vivian Ike The Power of Business Corporations to Drive Energy Transformation: The RE100 Case by Haley N. Anderson The Dirty Future of Coal by Laine Munir Limits of Solar and Wind by Helena Solman The Promise of Nuclear Energy by Ayesha Sadiqa Part II: A–Z Entries Introduction Agricultural Revolution Biofuels Biomass Energy Carbon Capture and Storage (CSS) Carbon Footprint Carbon Offsets Carbon Tax/Carbon Market/Carbon Credits/Cap and Trade Cascade Effect Climate Engineering or Geoengineering Coal Common Pool Resources Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) CO2 Crude Oil Deepwater Drilling Enhanced Recovery/Hydraulic Fracking/Horizontal Drilling Forest Management Fuel Cells Fusion Geothermal Energy Greenhouse Effect and Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) Green Revolution Human Dispersal Hydrocarbons and Hydrocarbon Gas Liquids Hydroelectric Power Hydrogen Economy Megafauna Milankovitch Cycles Mineral Rights Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) Natural Gas Net Zero Nuclear Fission, Nuclear Fuel, and Nuclear Power Plants Ocean Currents Peat Megafires and Coal Seam Fires Petroleum Photovoltaics Proven Reserves Renewable Energy Steam Power (Steam Engines) Sustainability Tar Sands/Oil Sands Tidal Energy Waste-to-energy (WTE) Wave Energy Wind Power Zero Emissions Energy About the Authors and Contributors Index