the science behind how we got here and where we're going Smil, Vaclav 1943- creator text nyu New York, [ New York] Penguin Books 2025 monographic eng

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326 pages ; 21 cm An essential analysis of the modern science and technology that makes our twenty-first century lives possible--a scientist's investigation into what science really does, and does not, accomplish. We have never had so much information at our fingertips and yet most ofus don't know how the world really works. This book explains seven of the most fundamental realities governing our survival and prosperity. From energy and food production, through our material world and its globalization, to risks, our environment and its future, How the World Really Works offers a much-needed reality check--because before we can tackle problems effectively, we must understand the facts. Contenidos Introduction: Why do we need this book? Understanding energy : fuels and electricity Understanding food production : eating fossil fuels Understanding our material world : the four pillars of modern civilization Understanding globalization : engines, microchips, and beyond Understanding risks : from viruses to diets to solar flares Understanding the environment : the only biosphere we have Understanding the future : between apocalypse and singularity Appendix: Understanding numbers: orders of magnitude : Vaclav Smil S641h 2025 9780593297087 260515 20260515164957.0 spa