ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides an overview of the energy and environmental challenges that will be faced well into the 21st century. It demonstrates that the terms of the modern debate have not advanced much beyond those of the 19th century despite the ominous prospects of global warming. The book analysis of the illusion of progress links current environmental controversies to the history of industrial development in Europe. It presents the case for a shift to renewable energy supply options to respond to the social challenges of climate change. The book focuses on the linkage between energy use and environmental impacts in the transportation sector, which is a significant source of emissions contributing to air pollution and global warming, especially in the United States and other industrialized countries.
