The author believes that "we're taught to think only of the negatives of fossil fuels, their risks and side effects, but not their positives--their unique ability to provide cheap, reliable energy for a world of seven billion people. And the moral significance of cheap, reliable energy, Epstein argues, is woefully underrated. Energy is our ability to improve every single aspect of life, whether economic or environmental"--Amazon.com.

"The second volume of William T. Vollmann's epic book about the factors and human actions that have led to global warming begins in the coal fields of West Virginia and Eastern Kentucky, where "America's best friend" is not merely a fuel, but a "heritage." Over the course of four years Vollmann finds hollowed out towns with coal-polluted streams and acidified drinking water; makes covert visits to mountaintop removal mines; and offers documented accounts...

"Engrossing . . . Coal, to borrow a phrase, is king." -- New York Times Book Review In this remarkable book, Barbara Freese takes us on a rich historical journey that begins hundreds of millions of years ago and spans the globe. Prized as "the best stone in Britain" by Roman invaders who carved jewelry out of it, coal has transformed societies, launched empires, and expanded frontiers. It made China an eleventh-century superpower, inspired the Communist...

Explains what fossil fuels are, where they are found, how they are used, and the advantages and disadvantages of using them as an energy source.

"It's time to learn about the role of carbon and fossil fuels on planet Earth! As much as our news is packed with articles about the importance of fossil fuels to the world economy and the global warming caused by increased carbon emissions, few people understand what is happening. Now Bang and Chisholm present a clear, concise explanation of the fossil-fuel energy cycle that began with the sun and now runs most of the manufacturing, transportation,...

"Introduces readers to what fossil fuel pollution is, the consequences of this type of pollution, and what people are doing to help"--Provided by publisher.

Discusses what fossil fuels are, how they were created, how they are used, and the need to find alternate sources of energy before the available fossil fuels are used up.

Introduces fossil fuels--oil, natural gas, and coal--as sources of energy, places them in context with other power resources, explains how they work, and considers the advantages and disadvantages of their possible future use.