Natural Resources Available Today and in the Future : How to Perform Change Management for Achieving a Sustainable World

Preface; About the Author; Description; Other Authors; Contents; Chapter 1: System Perspective; 1.1 Introduction; 1.2 Countries of the World: Countries Grouped in Different Categories; 1.3 Sustainable Development of Cities and Societies; 1.4 Economy; 1.4.1 Taxes and GINI-Numbers; 1.4.2 Inflation; 1.4.3 GNI; 1.5 Different Cultures; 1.6 Corruption; 1.7 CO2 Emissions and Climate Effects; 1.8 Science and Communication; 1.9 Railways and Other Transportation; 1.10 Sustainable Industry; 1.11 Regional Development; 1.11.1 Africa; References.;This book focuses on providing an overview of all our available natural resources, considering the sustainability and potential for power generation of each. Energy efficiency prospects of each natural resource are examined in the context of society's key energy needs- Heating/cooling, Electric Power, Transportation and Industrial Production. Geography, climate and demographics are all discussed as key vectors impacting the comparative opportunities for self-sustenance around the globe. The authors provide in-depth coverage of renewable energy upscale and energy efficiency improvements in industry and society within a historical context, including a keen look at the variable effectiveness of different policy tools that have been used to support the transition away from unsustainable resource use. Finally, suggestions for more sustainable futures are provided, from improved policy measures, to new technological horizons in areas from offshore wind and marine energy to biogas and energy storage. Provides an overview of all our available natural resources in the context of sustainability and power generation potential; Connects increasingly available detailed demographical data with energy needs, today and in the future; Examines the role of policy in impacting energy consumption in an easy to access way, considering wins and failures of the past, and suggesting new pathways forward. Front Matter....Pages i-xi System Perspective....Pages 1-56 The Challenges of Measuring Sustainability Performance....Pages 57-71 Population Development, Demography and Historical Perspective....Pages 73-92 Biologic Resources....Pages 93-156 Energy Resources and Regional Balances....Pages 157-179 Nonorganic and Fossil Resources: Known and Estimated Resources....Pages 181-205 Reuse and Circulation of Organic Resources and Mixed Residues....Pages 207-244 Energy, Different Forms....Pages 245-264 Impact on Climate and Environment....Pages 265-268 Policies and Incentives – Natural Resources Available Today and in the Future: How to Perform Change Management for Achieving a Sustainable World....Pages 269-280 Is Circular Economy a Magic Bullet?....Pages 281-295 Back Matter....Pages 297-304