ABSTRACT
This chapter considers in greater detail what a "science of renewables" would entail and what role technology might play in this science. The central concerns underlying arguments for a renewables orientation both suggest appropriate questions for science and prescribe ideal characteristics for "appropriate" technologies. Evidence of shrinking critical reserves of finite, conventional resources and of mounting damage to vital parts of the environment underlies growing concern about the future availability and viability of conventional resources. In general, Western science has historically focused on understanding significant but isolated parts of the environment, and technology has thrived in taking advantage of that understanding. The dominant thrust of science has been reductionism, characterized by the many disciplines and specialties that make up scientific research. In socioeconomic systems, the critical dimensions are the growing scale of human impacts and the demand and competition for both renewable and nonrenewable resources, both of these in view of continuing population and economic growth.
