Cambridge Scholars Publishing Energy and Humanity: An Intertwined Evolution

Sometime around three million years ago, the first hominid walked on this planet. In the time which has elapsed since then, the descendant of this biped has evolved to reach the top of the food chain. Furthermore, it has manipulated other lifeforms and Earth’s resources in a manner that makes these entirely subservient to only one species, homo sapiens. In a period less than 0.007% of Earth’s age, man has dramatically altered both the biosphere and the climate. This text argues that intelligent manipulation of ‘energy’ is at the heart of human supremacy. Energy is intertwined in an intricate manner with everything that happens around us. From the very beginning, nearly three million years ago, up until today, the human race has evolved and progressed by gaining mastery and control over energy. This book presents an insightful description of the evolution of human civilization from an energy perspective, showing that ‘energy’ is the vehicle that has catapulted the human race to a commanding position on Earth. From rudimentary Stone Age tools to classical physics, from animal power to the steam engine, and from relativity and quantum theory to geo-politics and climate change, drawing upon multiple disciplines, it weaves a fascinating story of the history of “energy” in human civilization. It also discusses the “dark side” of energy, exemplified by climate change, pollution, and deforestation, which is compelling modern human civilization to once again go into an energy transition mode, as well as those forms of energy which can counteract such forces: renewable and smart energy and their associated innovations. Review “The intentions of this book are excellent - to explore the parallel and intertwined evolution of the human race and energy technology. The case that human society has developed on the back of access to the external energy sources of animal, wind, water, sun and more recently coal and oil, is well made, and finally the transition back to renewable sources that is now underway is explored. […] He also identifies the challenge of delivering a sustainable world, encompassing nature protection and biodiversity as well as combatting global warming in the context of increasing world population. Too many authors have shied away from this to date.Jami Hossain comes across as a sane and likeable author who has thought deeply about these issues. It is in ways a very personal book and many will enjoy reading it”Dr David InfieldUniversity of Strathclyde, UK“This book is a very interesting read in that it takes a different view to the usual on the importance of energy in society, its use, development and currently, its transition to renewable energy. Often the viewpoints are novel and thought-provoking, and cause the reader to think and question how well they have understood what energy really is. The book starts with the author’s concept that energy is “the most crucial thing, stuff or “whatever” in the entirety of human history, including in our lives today.” […] Hossain paints a very fascinating story of the pathway from fire, to the beginning of the industrial revolution and thereafter to the growth of the fossil fuel industry. […] I found the book quite compelling reading. It covers a lot of ground and so is a good way to get a lot of information in a short volume. Jami Hossain concludes that: “It is not strange that human civilization is riding the wings of something (energy or “whatever”) that it does not fully understand but which consistently propels it into an unknown future, perhaps for the better!” A sentiment I agree with.”Monica OliphantAdjunct Associate Professor, University of South Australia About the Author Jami Hossain, PhD, is a mechanical engineer and energy expert. As the Vice President and Technical Chair of the World Wind Energy Association and the President of the Renewable Energy Welfare Society, he is deeply engaged in energy issues, climate change and