Although it is widely understood that energy and water are the world's two most critical resources, their vital interconnections and vulnerabilities are less often recognized. This farsighted book offers a new, holistic way of thinking about energy and water – a big picture approach that reveals the interdependence of the two resources, identifies the seriousness of the challenges, and lays out an optimistic approach with an array of solutions to ensure the continuing sustainability of both. Michael Webber, a leader and teacher in the field of energy technology and policy, explains how energy and water supplies are linked and how problems in either can be crippling for the other. He shows that current population growth, economic growth, climate change, and short-sighted policies are likely to make things worse. Yet, Webber asserts, more integrated planning with long-term sustainability in mind can avert such a daunting future. Combining anecdotes and personal stories with insights into the latest science of energy and water, he identifies a hopeful path toward wise long-range water-energy decisions and a more reliable and abundant future for humanity.
About the Author
At The University of Texas at Austin, Michael E. Webber is deputy director of the Energy Institute, co-director of the Clean Energy Incubator, Josey Centennial Fellow in Energy Resources, and professor of mechanical engineering. He has developed a popular energy literacy Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) and created a PBS television special titled "Energy at the Movies". He also holds four patents and writes and lectures extensively on energy and other topics. He lives in Austin, TX.
Reviews
"The premise is compelling and timely. The strength of the book is its clear explanation of ways in which water is used in the production of energy and how the existing system is likely to come under considerable strain in the future" – David Sedlak, author of "Water 4.0"
"For those concerned about water and energy – which should be everybody – Michael Webber has produced a jewel of a book" – Martin J. Pasqualetti, School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning and the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability, Arizona State University
"A highly accessible and engaging overview of one of humanity's most pressing problems and opportunities. How we manage energy and water will shape the twenty-first century, and with guides like Dr. Webber we can use policy, technology, and economics to craft cleaner, more efficient solutions" – Philip Mezey, President and CEO, Itron, Inc.
"Webber makes a compelling case for pursuing both technological and nontechnical solutions for managing the water-energy nexus. He observes that 'in the end, the most important innovation we need is a new way of thinking about energy and water so that we make better decisions about these precious resources' and lays out the case for why and how to do that. This is an important and deeply readable book" – Susan Tierney, Analysis Group
"Few, if any, issues are more important to humanity's well-being over the next half century than the transition to cleaner energy and access to abundant, safe, and clean water. Michael Webber's well-researched and detailed, yet highly readable, new book takes the reader on a journey of the water-energy nexus and lays out concrete and actionable technical and policy solutions. This book provides a valuable road map for how to protect our most critical resources for future generations" – Jason Bordoff, Columbia University Center on Global Energy Policy
"Michael Webber describes in clear prose the complex and often-surprising relationship between humanity's most important scarce resources – water and power. An important book for both citizens and specialists" – Bill White, former mayor of Houston and U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy
"Thirst for Power is a masterful work. Webber expertly navigates the confluence of critical water and energy issues, providing valuable insights into the deep nexus between the two" – Robert Wilkinson, University of California Santa Barbara
"With clear and compelling writing, Webber takes the reader on an exploration of critically important systems – those for energy and water – that few people understand. Even fewer realize that these systems are thoroughly intertwined. And while Webber provides concise explanations of many of the technical solutions needed to move the world toward sustainable water and energy, he makes it clear that the most important solutions are non-technical: we need a revolution in how we think about these systems so we can manage them in an integrated and holistic way" – Jeff Opperman, Director and Lead Scientist of The Nature Conservancy's Great Rivers Program
"Engagingly written and meticulously researched, Thirst for Power makes a convincing argument for the interconnectedness of water and energy throughout human civilization. Webber makes the reader realize that today, more than ever, understanding this linkage and building relevant solutions is critical to the sustained wellbeing of humankind" – Austin Troy, author of "The Very Hungry City"
"A wide-ranging, nuanced view of difficult but important issues that require serious consideration at every level, from policymakers, opinion shapers, and educators down to everyday citizens" – Kirkus Reviews
