Review by Choice Review
To this reviewer, Burn Out implies eventual fossil fuel exhaustion and consequent rising prices. To Helm (New College, Oxford and Univ. of Oxford, UK) it means falling prices, with massive investment losses. Fossil fuel needs will diminish, leaving them buried. The author writes that "Prices may revert to the pattern of the 100 years between 1870 and 1970." Sentences like this are frequent and offer unsubstantiated assumptions. Helm does not recognize the finitude of fossil fuels or renewable sources, which is evident in the following statement: "As long as the energy is low-carbon, who cares about reducing energy demand ...?" The book presents much information about past and present global energy supplies (not all correct or complete), and many speculations about the future. There are useful graphs of oil prices and production, but these are often inconsistent with the text. The work assumes that new, unknown technologies will supplant current, inadequate renewable energy supplies. However, the text provides a useful history and projects the future of nations and corporations, emphasizing differences between political responses to global climate threats and actual actions. It is difficult to recommend this book because of its many unsubstantiated or confusing statements. Yet, it has useful data and historical information, which might be beneficial. Summing Up: Optional. All readers. --Alvin M. Saperstein, Wayne State University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
