This volume explores the ways in which energy interacts with society and the environment. It provides an appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of technological solutions, and knowledge of the social and institutional obstacles to implementing these solutions; Revised chapters include those on nuclear and wind energy.

Additional case-studies have been added which highlight alternative energy solutions. Energy, Society and Environment examines the potential and limits of technological solutions to energy related environmental problems and suggests that social, economic and political solutions may also be necessary to avoid serious environmental damage in the future. Global case studies are used throughout to ground the debates and illustrate the interaction between technological and social aspects.

Part I - environmental problems: technology and society
energy and environment
sustainable technology. Part II Sustainable technology: green technology
the nuclear alternative

renewable energy
renewables world-wide
sustainable energy
strategy. Part III Problems of implementation: getting started - institutional obstacles
keeping going - deployment problems
case study - public reactions to wind farms in the UK
public acceptance: the need for negotiation. Part IV Sustainable society: sustainable development
the global perspective
sustainable future
conclusions - the way ahead?