Transport Revolutions Moving People and Freight Without Oil

About this book

First released in 2007, the bestselling Transport Revolutions argued that land transport in the first half of the 21st century will feature at least two revolutions. One will involve the use of electric drives rather than internal combustion engines. Another will involve powering many of these drives directly from the electric grid - as trains and trolley buses are powered today - rather than from on-board fuel.

Now available for the first time in paperback and updated with the most recent data, it sets out the challenges to our growing dependence on transport fuelled by low-priced oil. These challenges include an early peak in world oil production and profound climate change resulting in part from oil use. It proposes responses to ensure effective, secure movement of people and goods in ways that make the best use of renewable sources of energy while minimizing environmental impacts. Synthesizing engineering, economics, environment, organization, policy and technology in a detailed yet highly readable style, Transport Revolutions is essential reading for anyone working, studying or interested in transport and the environment.

Contents

Preface
Introduction: Transport Revolutions Ahead
Learning from Past Transport Revolutions
Transport Today
Transport and Energy
Transport's Adverse Impacts
The Next Transport Revolutions
Leading the Way Forward
Index

Customer Reviews

Biography

Richard Gilbert is a Toronto-based consultant who focuses on transport and energy issues, with recent public- and private-sector clients in North America, Europe and Asia.
Anthony Perl is a Professor of Urban Studies and Political Science at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, where he directs the Urban Studies Program.