Renewable Energy: A Primer for the Twenty-First Century (Columbia University Earth Institute Sustainability Primers)

From wood to coal to oil and gas, the sources of energy on which civilization depends have always changed as technology advances. Now renewables are overtaking fossil fuels, with wind and solar energy becoming cheaper and more competitive every year. Growth in renewable energy will further accelerate as electric vehicles become less expensive than traditional automobiles. Understanding the implications of the energy transition will prepare us for the many changes ahead. Usher dissects the winners and losers, illustrating how governments and businesses with a far-sighted approach will reap long-term benefits while others will trail behind. Alongside the business and finance case for renewable energy, he provides a timely illustration of the threat of catastrophic climate change and the perils of delay. A short and powerful guide to our energy present and future, this book makes it clear that, from both economic and environmental perspectives, there is no time to lose. Bruce Usher is professor of professional practice and the Elizabeth B. Strickler ’86 and Mark T. Gallogly ’86 Faculty Director of the Tamer Center for Social Enterprise at the Columbia Business School, where he teaches on the intersection of financial, social, and environmental issues. He was previously an entrepreneur and worked in financial services in New York and Tokyo. Preface: Setting the Record Straight 1. Renewable Energy in the Twenty-First Century 2. Energy Transitions: Fire to Electricity 3. The Rise of Renewables 4. Renewable Wind Energy 5. Renewable Solar Energy 6. Financing Renewable Energy 7. Energy Transitions: Oats to Oil 8. The Rise of Electric Vehicles 9. Parity 10. Convergence 11. Consequences 12. No Time to Lose Appendix A. Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) Appendix B. The Transition to Renewable Energy Glossary Notes Index