Energy and the Environment

The topics of energy and the environment are obviously crucial to all of us as evidence is growing that the problems are becoming more severe with the passage of time as our fossil fuels diminish and underdeveloped countries become more energy dependent. This text deals mainly with the core subject matter of energy concepts, resources, and applications. Discussion of the impact of our energy use on the environment is also included. Its goal is to help readers think beyond that "heat comes from the furnace, food comes from the store, water comes from the faucet, and gasoline comes from the filling station."

About the Authors ROBERT A. RISTINEN is Professor of Physics at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Since 1974, he has taught the Energy and Environment course several times. Ristinen is a Former Chair of the University Energy Conservation Committee and has served for many years as Chair of the university’s Radiation Safety Committee. JACK J. KRAUSHAAR is a retired Professor of Physics at the University of Colorado in Boulder. He started teaching the course on Energy and the Environment in 1971 and has taught it several times since then. He has served on the Rocky Flats Citizens Advisory Committee, on the Boulder County Energy Conservation Board, and on the University Energy Conservation Committee.