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Thirst for Power: Energy, Water, and Human Survival
- Narrated by: Tom Pile
- Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins
- Categories: Business & Careers, Business Development & Entrepreneurship
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Humans take more than their geological share of water, but they do not benefit from it equally. This imbalance has created an era of intense water scarcity that affects the security of individuals, states, and the global economy. For many, this brazen water grab and the social inequalities it produces reflect the lack of a coherent philosophy connecting people to the planet. Challenging this view, Jeremy Schmidt shows how water was made a “resource” that linked geology, politics, and culture to American institutions.
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Publisher's Summary
How changing the way we think about water and energy can secure the long-term sustainability of both precious resources.
Although it is widely understood that energy and water are the world’s two most critical resources, their vital interconnections and vulnerabilities are less often recognized. This farsighted audiobook offers a new, holistic way of thinking about energy and water - a big picture approach that reveals the interdependence of the two resources, identifies the seriousness of the challenges, and lays out an optimistic approach with an array of solutions to ensure the continuing sustainability of both.
Michael Webber, a leader and teacher in the field of energy technology and policy, explains how energy and water supplies are linked and how problems in either can be crippling for the other. He shows that current population growth, economic growth, climate change, and shortsighted policies are likely to make things worse. Yet, Webber asserts, more integrated planning with long-term sustainability in mind can avert such a daunting future. Combining anecdotes and personal stories with insights into the latest science of energy and water, he identifies a hopeful path toward wise, long-range water-energy decisions and a more reliable and abundant future for humanity.
Published by Yale University Press.
“This is an important and deeply readable book.” - Susan Tierney, Analysis Group
“A wide-ranging, nuanced view of difficult but important issues that require serious consideration at every level, from policymakers, opinion shapers, and educators down to everyday citizens.” - Kirkus Reviews
“Concise, relevant, and engaging” - Choice
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What listeners say about Thirst for Power: Energy, Water, and Human Survival
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
- Joel
- 04-20-19
excellent listen
this books dives right into how energy and water are dependent upon each other and ways we can make our water and energy systems more efficient. though he didnt mention how much reducing the consumption of meat would help the water problem. other than than i recommend this book!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mohammad Mneimneh
- 11-12-18
Amazing Read
I love this guy. can't thank him enough for making me love the field and actually start a business out of it. thanks Michael.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- A. Potter
- 09-05-18
Well-researched, balanced view of complex issues
Michael E. Webber is amazing! I have found previous books on water to be one-sided, detailing problems without putting forward concrete solutions. Michael Webber rigorously explores all aspects of the water-energy nexus, examining each angle objectively without judgement, and offering concrete solutions globally and as a consumer. I just ordered a hard copy so I can reference certain chapters and passages later. His language is clear and concise and he covers topics in a way that anyone can understand. He's my favorite professor that I never had!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Chris Young
- 12-30-17
A must read - a fascinating account of the relationship between water and energy
I’d like to see more of this discussion in the UK where the mistakes you here of in the book continue to be made. Very interesting and enlightening read about a much deeper relationship between two essential elements required for our survival and progress.