Summarizes the theory that as human cultures evolve, they will, unless destroyed by some prior event, ultimately destroy themselves by exhausting their essential resources, by damaging their ecology until it will not sustain them, or both." (Author/AL)

Suggests formula for survival that takes a thermodynamic view which holds that we must recycle waste while the thermodynamic potential still is moderately high. Otherwise they are lost, as helium is lost when it leaves Earth's atmosphere and goes into space. The idea that the Earth is a closed system is a myth; it collapses each time we put our…

Recounts highlights of a 1980 weekend course at Queens College Environmental Center (New York) focusing on lessons from history and other cultures in using overlooked resources to develop "Appropriate Technology." Practical and innovative energy alternatives discussed include solar energy, wind power, indoor hydroponic farming, shellfish…

A Tennessee farm finds it profitable to raise cattle on reclaimed land. (Author)

As food producer for much of the world, the United States will soon have to decide between the continuation of present farming practices or the initiation of new policies that will improve environmental quality while reducing food production. This article discusses the consequences of either choice and offers possible alternatives. (MA)

This report addresses the global concern of water development and stresses the need for management of the water demand. Investments in water efficiency, recycling, and conservation are recommended over conventional water supply projects for greater cost behefits and production yield. Topic areas include: (1) water use trends in major crop…

This report reviews America's current energy position. The energy sources studied include oil and gas, coal, nuclear energy, solar energy, and geothermal energy. Each source is analyzed in terms of current use, technology for extracting and developing the energy, research and development funding, and projections for future consumption and…

This yearbook provides highlights of the work done by the various bureaus and offices of the Department of the Interior during 1970. The coverage is broad, relating to many aspects of conservation and the environment in the United States, in a descriptive, non-technical style. General theme of the report is the need for environmental management…

Concern for long-term availability of nonrenewable resources has fostered proposals for substitution with renewable resources. Forest products could become the basis for materials substitution and production. Further feasibility studies are needed to determine the technical, economic, energy, and environmental aspects of substitution. (MR)

Explores the possibility of installing offshore windmills to provide electricity and to save fuel for the United Kingdom. Favors their deployment in clusters to facilitate supervision and minimize cost. Discusses the power output and the cost involved and urges their quick development. (GA)

Summarizes energy conservation measures suggested by a leading energy supplier, a leading energy consumer, and a top government official, involving more coal use as an energy resource and an adequate balance between energy supply and environmental restrictions. (CC)

Summarizes the report prepared by the Ford Foundation's Energy Project with emphases upon three energy growth projects throughout the year 2,000, involving expanding rather than conserving energy supplies, creation of a "centralized governmental energy data bank" and establishing the philosophy of an "enough is best" approach…

Summarizes the discussions of a Division of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry symposium on solids handling for synthetic fuels production. Included is a description of technical difficulties with the use of coal seams and deposits of oil shale and oil sand as potential sources of fuel. (CC)

Presents two respective comparisons between ideal and real energy cost for the manufacture of a new automobile and between free energy savings from processing the old automobile into low and high grade scraps. Suggests the wasted thermodynamic potential should be considered in making decisions about energy savings. (CC)