How Long Can Resources in Short Supply Last?

Smart Energy: From Fire Making to the Post-Carbon World first traces the history of mankind's discovery and use of energy. It then reviews contemporary issues such as global warming, environmental deterioration, depletion of carbon energy sources, and energy disputes. Next, it evaluates technical innovations, system change, and international cooperation. Then, it tackles how civilization will continue to evolve in light of meeting future energy needs, how Smart Energy will meet these needs, and defines the global mission. The book closes with a summary of China’s dream of Smart Energy. This chapter considers how long petroleum, coal, and other carbon-based resources can last.