A Question of Power

Electricity and the Wealth of Nations

De: Robert Bryce

Narrado por: Robert Bryce

An “informative and highly readable” (Foreign Affairs) breakdown of the history of electricity and the impact of global energy use on the world and the environment
Global demand for power is doubling every two decades, but electricity remains one of the most difficult forms of energy to supply and do so reliably. Today, some three billion people live in places where per-capita electricity use is less than what's used by an average American refrigerator. How we close the colossal gap between the electricity rich and the electricity poor will determine our success in addressing issues like women's rights, inequality, and climate change. In A Question of Power, veteran journalist Robert Bryce tells the human story of electricity, the world's most important form of energy. Through onsite reporting from India, Iceland, Lebanon, Puerto Rico, New York, and Colorado, he shows how our cities, our money—our very lives—depend on reliable flows of electricity. He highlights the factors needed for successful electrification and explains why so many people are still stuck in the dark. With vivid writing and incisive analysis, he powerfully debunks the notion that our energy needs can be met solely with renewables and demonstrates why--if we are serious about addressing climate change--nuclear energy must play a much bigger role. Electricity has fueled a new epoch in the history of civilization. A Question of Power explains how that happened and what it means for our future.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Shocking revelations about electricity.... A robust look at where the juice flows around the planet-and its planetary implications."—Kirkus Reviews

"Of all the aspects of modern life in the developed world, flipping a switch and having the lights come on ranks as one of the most underrated. It's good to be reminded, as Bryce does through powerful examples, that such convenience was unheard of until the late nineteenth century...In this wide-ranging history of electricity, power expert Bryce takes readers beyond the table lamp and microwave to demonstrate how crucial safe, dependable, and plentiful electricity is to a host of contemporary innovations, from cryptocurrency mining to marijuana cultivation."—Booklist

"Informative and highly readable"—Foreign Affairs

Fascinating Overview

Excellent overview of the power industry and the industries that use it. Politically unbiased facts and common sense without the media’s hype and sensationalism. Superbly narrated.

Important book

Granted the book has now been out for a few years but it’s almost better that way. The trends Robert speaks of have generally continued, and not in a good way, though reality is starting to set in some corners. Renewables are important and should continue growing but their potential has been way oversold. New nuclear, more gas-fired generation, carbon capture, hydrogen, and other new innovations must be part of our energy future.

fantastic

One of the best climate change books, a must read for anyone looking to become informed on the issues we face.

Transforming Education and Healthcare with AI and

I especially liked how the book explores the impact of XR and AI on education and healthcare. The authors expertly navigate through the potential of these technologies to revolutionize learning and medical care, making complex concepts accessible and engaging.

In education, the book illustrates how AI and XR can create immersive and personalized learning experiences, breaking down traditional barriers and democratizing access to knowledge. It envisions a world where virtual environments and AI tutors make education more interactive and effective.

The healthcare sections detail the advancements in training, diagnosis, and treatment facilitated by these technologies. From virtual reality simulations for medical training to augmented reality aids in surgery, the authors showcase the potential for more accessible and precise healthcare solutions.

Graylin and Rosenberg address the ethical implications of these technologies, underscoring the importance of privacy, security, and equitable access.

With their deep industry insights, the authors not only inform but inspire action towards a future where technology enhances human potential in education and healthcare. It provides a compelling vision, clarity, and hopeful outlook on the technological advancements shaping our world.

A great story about how things work

This is a really enjoyable read about electricity and how our whole lives are touched by it. A fun, informative and relatively short listen.

As it turns out, things are complicated. Time to start thinking through them!