The book deals with the global flows of energy and materials, and changes caused by human activities. Based on these facts, the limitations of anthropogenic energy and material flows and the resulting consequences for the development of human societies are discussed. Different scenarios for lifestyle patterns are correlated with the world´s future development of energy supply and climate. The book provides a process engineering approach to the Earth system and global development. It requires basic understanding of mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology, and provides an insight into the complex matter for readers ranging from undergraduate students to experts.
Author(s): Georg Schaub, Thomas Turek (auth.)
Series: Environmental Science and Engineering
Edition: 1
Publisher: Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
Year: 2011
Language: English
Pages: 204
Tags: Environmental Engineering/Biotechnology; Environmental Chemistry
Front Matter....Pages i-xii
Introduction and Fundamentals....Pages 1-25
Biogeosphere as Environment for Life....Pages 27-51
Energy Balance of the Earth....Pages 53-78
Global Material Cycles....Pages 79-104
Anthropogenic Material and Energy Flows....Pages 105-132
Limits for Anthropogenic Material and Energy Flows....Pages 133-143
Approaches to Global Development....Pages 145-176
Conclusions....Pages 177-179
Back Matter....Pages 181-201
