Renewable and Alternative Energy Resources: A Reference Handbook(Contemporary World Issues)

This volume provides an insightful overview of renewable and alternative energy technologies and policies in the United States and around the world. Are renewable and alternative energy solutions needed to combat many of the negative effects of fossil fuel (including global warming)? Can such solutions be "clean," and still economically viable? For readers wanting clear, objective answers to questions like these, this fascinating, highly informative volume is the ideal source. Renewable and Alternative Energy Resources: A Reference Handbook provides an authoritative, unbiased overview of existing and potential renewable and alternative energy technologies, covering the benefits and drawbacks associated with each. It then looks at a number of specific questions and controversies on this issue, examining the social, political, and economic aspects of renewable and alternative energy use in the United States and other countries—detailing different approaches and activities of international organizations, national governments, and private sector initiatives.

Table of Contents:
Table of Contents for Renewable and Alternative Energy Resources Zachary A. Smith, Northern Arizona University Katrina Darlene Taylor, Northern Arizona University Preface Chapter 1: Background and History Chapter 2: Problems, Controversies, Solutions Chapter 3: Worldwide Perspective Chapter 4: Chronology Chapter 5: Biographical Profiles Chapter 6: Facts, Data, and Statistics Chapter 7: Directory of Nongovernmental Organizations, Research Institutes, Associations, U.S. Government Agencies, and International Agencies Chapter 8: Print and Non-Print Resources Glossary Index About the Authors

About the Author :
Zachary A. Smith, PhD, is Regents' Professor of Political Science at Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ. Katrina D. Taylor is a graduate student in the public policy PhD program, focusing on environmental policy, in the Department of Politics and International Affairs at Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ.

Review :
This reviewer was impressed with the authors' objectivity in their resource selection, given that they are dealing with high-profile subject matter . . . Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates and general readers. The handbook would provide a good starting point for research by high school and college students or others approaching the topic for the first time. While no one particular aspect of renewable and alternative energy is addressed in great detail, this source does a good job of identifying and explaining the range of technologies and the variety of policy measures that can help them succeed. The inclusion of the current state of alternative and renewable energy, along with statistical data, from countries around the world, contributes to the value as a single source of coverage on renewable and alternative energy resources.