A review of the Book “The Solar Hydrogen Civilization” By Roy McAlister By Bob Teeter
This is a review of the 2nd Edition version of this book. In comparing the 1st Edition and the 2nd Edition I have found that some of the original rough spots have been fixed and the material laid out better. The book has 12 chapters in it and they cover the following information:
Chapter 1 – "The Situation" covers how we got to where we are in relation to oil or its lack of at this time. It also includes the beginning of a suggested solution to the problem and the identification of what we have to do to get to energy independence to survive. Chapter 2 – covers the plan on how to deal with this basic problem. It identifies some of the lies that have been told and has identified 7 key technology areas to be used to allow the plan to work. The basic structural problems can be solved many ways but he has at least proposed one set of solutions. Chapter 3 – deals with methane and what type of problems are caused and what solutions are available to solve these problems using methane with solar energy. It appears to be the first step of many that can be taken to solve the energy/oil problems. Chapter 4 – describes the current history of oil. Where we get it, how our economy was created by it and what are some of the direct problems because of it. It also covers the reasons for converting to Hydrogen and how it can be done in one form or another.
Chapter 5 – describes some of the history of Hydrogen and also what has driven technological development in our current civilization. He also covers the reasons for using Hydrogen in Internal Combustion Engines and their benefits. He also covers basic fuel cell operation and types. Chapter 6 – covers the initial discovery of Hydrogen and how it has been used in the past, right up thru today’s usage. Chapter 7 – covers "The Launching the Renewable Resources Revolution". It covers the basic methodologies that can be used to create the new civilization and that the changes can be driven because of the ability to generate money to do it. Chapter 8 – is about "Saving the World". It uses as its backdrop the civilization of Easter Island and the problems that were not addressed that lead up to the demise of that civilization. And as we all know those that do not pay attention to history will repeat it. He also describes the current pollution problems and solutions for most of the basic ones.
Chapter 9 – is about "Overcoming Child Abuse and Terrorism". He covers the basic problems that the world has because of human expansion and the number of people in the world. Because of the increasing number of people in the world and their wanting to have what American’s have and can see no reason why they cannot have it. It has caused the Human race to consume increasing larger amounts of energy to meet that need. He describes some of the problems and what solutions that using Hydrogen and Renewable energy can solve. Chapter 10 – Covers "The Solar Hydrogen Economy". What it is and how to go about creating it. It has the full text of the Fort Collins Declaration from September 24, 2000. He also describes "The Solar Hydrogen Economic Development Corridors" and how to bring them about. Chapter 11 – Covers "17 Myths about Hydrogen". These are well covered and describe most of the basic myths that naysayer’s use to stop the use of Hydrogen. Chapter 12 – is a summary of the reasons for the development of a Solar Hydrogen Civilization and some of the current technologies that will lead to the solution of the BIG OIL problem.
Summary – I have enjoyed this book and have gotten a large amount of information on the Petroleum Industry and what problems they have caused. The solutions presented here are fundamental methods for solving the problems that we have been presented with. All the basic technology's that are listed in the book can solve these problems and the methodologies given presents a way of causing the solutions to occur. The biggest one is that those that solve these problems can make a lot of money and create a better world for us all. I have purchased both the 1st Edition of this book and the 2nd Edition and feel that it is money well spent.
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Book Review - The Solar Hydrogen Civilization
Posted - Jan 24 2006 : 8:20:45 PM
