Global Catastrophes and Trends

In this provocative book, scientist Vaclav Smil takes a wide-ranging, interdisciplinary look at the natural and human-produced catastrophes we may be facing in the next fifty years—both at unpredictable events and long-term trends that could have global significance. Smil looks at rare but cataclysmic events—world-changing events, like major volcanic eruptions, as well as smaller-scale ones such as terrorist attacks. He also looks at global trends—the transition from fossil fuels to other energy sources; the world's growing population; and the emergence of new technologies.