Summary
Energy security has become a rallying cry in recent years, especially in the wake of increased terrorist threats in the Middle East and elsewhere. But what does the term energy security really mean? For many it is ensuring the safe supply and transport of energy as a matter of national security. For others, it is developing and moving toward sustainable, low-carbon energy sources to avoid environmental catastrophe. Still others view it as increasing oil drilling to achieve independence from foreign markets and ensure affordability.
Yet the fact remains that the vast majority of global energy production still comes from fossil fuels, and it will take a thorough understanding of the interrelationships of complex challenges—finite supply, environmental concerns, political conflict, and economic volatility—to develop policies that will lead to true energy security.
This volume presents a realistic, cross-disciplinary look by recognized authorities at the global quest for energy security. While each nation faces different geopolitical, economic, and environmental challenges, the prescriptions offered here could well lead us in the right direction.