I first learned of Dr. MacKay, a physics professor at Cambridge University, when a friend and colleague in my town pointed out an Economist magazine article about his book. He has written and published a book online called “Sustainable Energy – without the hot air”. This is my Christmas present to each of you reading Cleantech Compass weekly posts.
Dr. MacKay focuses on answering the question “can we conceivably live sustainably?” Part I is primarily about energy consumption and renewable energy production per capita in the United Kingdom. Part II is called “Making a Difference” and there is a Part III of “Technical Chapters” for those of you who would like to delve deeper.
Above is one of the book’s illustrations which points out CO2 emissions per capita for numerous countries. Dr. MacKay’s reference point is the U.K., but his work translates well outside of the U.K. He addresses the energy and environment challenge before us using a wonderful blend of laymen’s language and math. I appreciate his simple rounding technique that enables calculations to be performed in one’s head, understood and remembered.
“A tour de force . . . As a work of popular science it is exemplary . . . For anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the real problems involved [it] is the place to start.” —Economist.com
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