The Efficiency Trap: Finding a Better Way to Achieve a Sustainable Energy Future

The Efficiency Trap: Finding a Better Way to Achieve a Sustainable Energy Future by Steve Hallett

The problem with chasing efficiency is twofold. First, the rebound effect may result in efficiencies being consumed by greater use. Second, we often focus on efficiencies in one area, neglecting the greater expenses in another. Refrigerators have become increasingly efficient. However, they have also become larger. Lighting is more efficient today than it was a 100 years ago, yet we spend much more on lighting. A hybrid car gets more miles per gallon than a gasoline powered car. However, it also requires much greater energy to produce and maintain. (The rare-earth metals needed for the battery are especially problematic.)

The primary topic could be covered in a short article. The rest of the book is primarily blather. The author also takes a very condescending tone towards anybody that he disagrees with (especially Republicans). This reduces the appeal of what should be good for a general audience.

The book does make an interesting point about energy. We have a fixed amount of fossil fuels that will produce a fixed amount of greenhouse gases. Even if we slow the rate of use, we will still have the same climatic impact. Hydro is pretty much tapped. Solar and wind require huge amounts of resources to produce and only produce limited quantities. Coal usage did decline, resulting in impacts on the British empire. Nuclear may have potential. However, it is super expensive now and hasn't become cheaper. The final solution proposed is "small scale" local power generation.