The planet is under threat. And that threat comes from energy. So goes the standard argument. But according to David Howell and Carole Nakhle, this reasoning is wrong._x000D_ In their provocative and original book, the authors argue that energy can become a tool for environmental protection, that energy and environment are not by definition in conflict with each other and that by pooling energy production and environmental protection ideas energy can be part of a solution rather than the problem. This book is firmly grounded in reality (given the demands of China, India and other developing economies) and makes specific proposals: a radical rethinking on energy investment strategies; massive incentives to develop alternative fuel technologies; a ground-breaking public awareness strategy to redirect consumers and policy-makers to embrace fundamental (though essentially painless) change in consumption patterns. The solutions that Howell and Nakhle offer are unapologetically short term. This is because the energy challenges immediately ahead, if not handled right, could undermine all longer term attempts to limit climate change. Their important and novel approach makes this book essential reading for an understanding of today's bewildering environmental debates._x000D_ _x000D_ 'A terrific book, not least because of its topicality. I am fed up with reading about climate change with only pious references to what might be done about it. Here is a practical politician grappling with that question in some detail.' Simon Jenkins, journalist and author_x000D_ _x000D_ 'A serious and thoughtful attempt to grapple with the complexities of the energy challenge and foreign policy.' - James R. Schlesinger, former US Secretary of Defense and Energy Secretary.