Energy Efficiency Policies

The atmosphere is often regarded as a "free" element unlimited in supply and existing solely for our consumption. Yet the greenhouse effect and global warming trends have shown that the atmosphere must be treated as a valuable and finite resource. The need for active policies to promote its preservation is becoming ever more urgent. InEnergy Efficiency Policies, Victor Anderson makes a case for alternative policies which promote energy efficiency in response to the changing composition of the atmosphere and global warming. As the industrialized West consumes half the world's energy, it is the focus of this book. Victor Anderson provides a thorough study of energy policies in the OECD. His argument centers on the need to end the greenhouse effect by making the transition from a carbon economy to one based upon renewable resources. He raises the question of the controversial progressive carbon tax, and provides case studies which include the low-cost attitude adopted by the UnitedStates and the United Kingdom's attempt to promote energy efficiency. The book concludes with a summary of twenty possible efficiency policies. In an area that is dominated by highly specialized studies,Energy Efficiency Policiesoffers a practical, accessible, and topical guide to combatting the effects of global warming and preserving the earth's atmosphere.