The Bookshelf: March 9, 2016

Trib+Water is joining with respected books authority Kirkus Reviews to bring you select reviews of books of note in the field of water studies. For more book reviews and recommendations, visit Kirkus.com.

THIRST FOR POWER: Energy, Water, and Human Survival

by Michael E. Webber

In the author's view, “the grand challenge” of this century is providing “clean water, indoor lighting, [and a] comfortable way of life to every global citizen.” However, accomplishing this without irreversibly affecting the environment will be extremely difficult. With the use of satellite imagery in the past 15 years, it has become possible to estimate changes in the amount of groundwater globally. Unfortunately, writes Webber, “the amount of water in our bank account” is decreasing at an alarming rate. … Large dams … are beneficial for controlling floods, providing irrigation for crops, and providing sources of hydroelectric power, but they also damage the local ecology, flood fertile land, and displace human and fish populations. Alternative and nuclear energies are attractive options to replace petroleum, but their use of water must also be considered. … A wide-ranging, nuanced view of difficult but important issues that require serious consideration at every level, from policymakers, opinion shapers, and educators down to everyday citizens.

For the full review, visit kirkus.com.