Energy Transitions: Global and National Perspectives is a compelling and well-researched book that offers deep insights into the shifts in energy systems over time. It explores the historical, economic, and technological factors that drive energy transitions, providing both a global overview and national case studies. The author presents complex ideas in a clear and engaging manner, making it accessible to a wide audience, from policymakers to energy enthusiasts.If you're interested in understanding the past, present, and future of energy systems, this book is a must-read. It’s both thought-provoking and informative, offering a nuanced perspective on one of the most critical challenges of our time.

Great review of what is a stake. A must read if you want to properly influence decision makers to make for more efficient choices.The author offers no miracle solution(s) but provide the tools to have more critical thinking on the topic. The tough choice after reading this book is to either be hopeful and energized or hopeless until some catastrophic event occurs

It is a great book. However, the webpage said it was in hardcover. The book delivered was paperback. It was a Christmas present so I was disappointed. Not what I was expecting for $60. The content is amazing though.

After reading this I understood that the level of effort required to transition to renewable energy must be way, way higher that what we're doing right now.What I liked the most about it is that the book starts with first principles like how big are the energy flows we can tap to create electricity (solar radiation, wind, geothermal, water runoff, etc). Then what their power density is. Then how efficient our solar panels and wind turbines are. Then how fast we could put them in place. Then what materials are required for their construction. Then what do we do about things we can't create using electricity like plastics and steel. Then the pace of past energy transitions in different countries. Then what is required to move to renewable energy.I highly recommend this!

According to author Vaclav Smil, President Barack Obama's energy policy has raised unrealistic expectations for rapid energy transitions. "The degree of disappointment will be phenomenal," Smil warned in an interview with the New York Times in November 2008. "There will be precious little rapid change, as energy systems are inherently inertial and energy transitions take decades to accomplish."