Smelling Land: The Hydrogen Defense Against Climate Catastrophe

Climate destabilization is the most serious environmental threat of the 21st century. If not stopped, it will bring economic collapse; mass migrations and global wars as countries vie for depleting resources such as fossil fuel, water or even the ability to grow food. Resolving these escalating challenges will be the most important thing we face this century as we scramble to find alternatives to fossil fuels.

In this timely and important new book, Dr. David Sanborn Scott, one of Canada's foremost energy experts, clearly demonstrates that we have only one real choice. We must adopt sustainable energy sources that do not emit carbon dioxide and then use these sources to manufacture the twin carbon-free energy currencies, hydrogen and electricity. Together hydrogen and electricity can provide the full menu of civilization's energy needs.

Hydrogen is the single fuel that can be manufactured by any non-fossil energy source - water, solar, or wind. Hydrogen can power free-range transportation - like ships and cars. Hydrogen will allow windmills to turn and airplanes to fly. You can use hydrogen to make electricity and vice versa. Together hydrogen and electricity are essential to any defense against climate catastrophe. Yet both the public and governments seem unaware of the reality that any solution will require hydrogen as its most critical component.

Smelling Land is the only book that sets out a comprehensive "what we can do about it" strategy. It explains how energy systems really work and, in particular, the vital role of energy currencies (such as electricity). It gives insights into energy systems of today, and shows pathways to a brighter tomorrow.

Smelling Land will become the book that best encapsulates the zeitgeist of our time and, in that sense, will mimic Silent Spring that went before it.

David Sanborn Scott is Vice-President of the International Association for Hydrogen Energy. He received his doctorate from Northwestern University and is the founding director of the University of Victoria's Institute for Integrated Energy Systems. Scott consults for U.S. and Canadian corporations and national laboratories. In 2006, he became the first Canadian awarded the internationally prestigious Jules Verne Award, for 'Outstanding Contributions to Hydrogen Physics, and Hydrogen Energy Sociology and Philosophy.' He lives in Victoria, BC.