Communities and the Clean Energy Revolution: Public Health, Economics, Design, and Transformation

(Hardback)

---

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Communities and the Clean Energy Revolution: Public Health, Economics, Design, and Transformation is an engaging and interdisciplinary investigation into clean energy systems such as solar and wind power and the need to transform our energy system. Looking at the intersection of clean energy with community engagement, diversity, and economic development, it is a remarkably accessible account from the front lines of the clean energy revolution. Organized as a series of case studies set in eight locations, the author profiles people leading varied renewable energy projects from using solar to survive hurricanes to passing a Green New Deal bill for Americas largest city, the beginnings of the offshore wind industry, modular solar power systems, and changing the culture of an entire utility. Each case study is set into context of broader research, addressing how cities and states meet clean energy goals, howsolar or wind power address blackouts, and how individuals can accelerate clean energy for their home, business, or community. This book goes beyond merely explaining clean energy transition by providing unique insight into the calls for a complete transformation of Americas energy system.

Reviews

[The] book and film can be used for more advanced courses after students understand systems, units, and quantities. In this case, the book-film reminds them that far more than technology and policy are involved. Inevitably, new systems must be acceptable to people, and Communities and Power cover issues usually ignored.

-- "Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences"

The time is long past to put shovels in the ground and build the energy infrastructure and energy future we want and need. Using a solutions journalism approach, Communities and the Clean Energy Revolution documents the stories of pioneers in the transition to clean energy who are bringing clean energy projects to life in their communities. By deftly adjusting its lens from the high level policy landscape to specific people, places and projects (Queremos Sol, Ruth Santiago, Blue Planet Energy, Soulardarity), the book renders the policies and concepts of the energy transition--prosumer, energy democracy, distributed generation--tangible and accessible, allowing readers to "see" the pathologies of the existing energy system as well as the actions that can change it.

--Katrina Fischer Kuh, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Pace University

Author Bio

Melanie J. La Rosa is a filmmaker and professor of media production at Pace University.