{"title":"Vaclav Smil","description":"\u003cp\u003eVaclav Smil’s works offer a profound exploration of the fundamental forces shaping our world, from energy and materials to innovation and global growth. His books provide clear, evidence-based insights into complex topics, inviting readers to understand how civilisation functions and evolves through the lens of science and technology.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBlending meticulous research with an accessible style, Smil challenges us to rethink modern assumptions about progress, sustainability, and resource use. His writing appeals to curious minds eager to grasp the realities behind global systems and the numbers that tell their stories.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"growth","title":"Growth","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImmerse yourself in the comprehensive exploration of growth's omnipresent force in the world with \u003cem\u003eGrowth\u003c\/em\u003e by Vaclav Smil. Esteemed by influential figures such as Bill Gates, Smil guides readers through a journey that encompasses the unspoken and explicit aims of growth that shape our very existence. Through an extensive and methodical inquiry, \u003cem\u003eGrowth\u003c\/em\u003e investigates the phenomenon from its microscopic origins to its grand impacts on global structures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSmil's narrative starts at the microscopic level, where the book delves into the proliferation of tiny organisms, such as bacteria and disease-causing microbes. Readers are then taken on an expedition through the biological growth processes of various life forms, from humble crops to the complex growth stages of human beings from infancy to adulthood. Such details illuminate how growth governs every living entity, magnifying the profound influence of growth at a micro scale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe book then transitions to the growth of energy conversions and man-made edifices that support economic endeavours, depicting how technological advancements and infrastructural development have been pivotal in the ascent of modern civilizations. By examining these facets, Smil aptly highlights how growth is interwoven with the advancements and sustainability of human societies. From power generation capacities to technological breakthroughs, these narratives underscore the intricate relationship between growth and civilization's progress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn the final sections, \u003cem\u003eGrowth\u003c\/em\u003e addresses the evolution of complex systems, such as the expansion of human populations and urbanization. Smil meticulously traces the rise of cities, mapping their expansion, and addresses the nuanced growth trajectories of empires and civilizations. What sets this book apart is its examination of the cyclical nature of societal growth, encompassing phases of decline and renewal, illustrating that the path of civilizational progress is far from linear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the pivotal aspects discussed is the dichotomy between the impetus for material growth and the limitations imposed by the biosphere. Smil artfully navigates through the uncertainties of modern civilization’s future, as it balances the pressures of growth with ecological sustainability. \u003cem\u003eGrowth\u003c\/em\u003e is a vital read that provides profound insights into the interconnectedness of natural and societal growth, capturing the essence of how every aspect of life is influenced by this universal force.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGrowth\u003c\/em\u003e by Vaclav Smil stands as a magisterial and interdisciplinary examination that is crucial for understanding the forces that shape our world. Whether you are a scientist, economist, student, or simply a curious reader, this book promises to enhance your comprehension of the systemic intricacies of growth, making it an indispensable addition to your intellectual repertoire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45692003057900,"sku":"9780262539685","price":32.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780262539685.jpg?v=1725550861"},{"product_id":"how-the-world-really-works","title":"How the World Really Works","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDelightfully contrarian, this is the one book you need to read to understand our modern world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWe have never had so much information at our fingertips and yet most of us don't know how the world really works. \u003cem\u003eHow the World Really Works\u003c\/em\u003e explains seven of the most fundamental realities governing our survival and prosperity. From energy and food production, through our material world and its globalisation, to risks, our environment, and its future, this book offers a much-needed reality check—because before we can tackle problems effectively, we must understand the facts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this ambitious and thought-provoking book, we see, for example, that globalisation isn't inevitable and that our societies have been steadily increasing their dependence on fossil fuels, making their complete and rapid elimination unlikely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eVaclav Smil is neither a pessimist nor an optimist; he is a scientist. He is the world-leading expert on energy and an astonishing polymath. This is his magnum opus and a continuation of his quest to make facts matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDrawing on the latest science, including his own fascinating research, and tackling sources of misinformation head-on—from Yuval Noah Harari to Noam Chomsky—ultimately, Smil answers the most profound question of our age: are we irrevocably doomed, or is a brighter utopia ahead?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House Distribution","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45692067217644,"sku":"9780241989678","price":27.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780241989678.jpg?v=1725551536"},{"product_id":"how-to-feed-the-world","title":"How to Feed the World","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA myth-busting book about how the world produces and consumes its food and how to do so without killing the planet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this ambitious, myth-busting book, leading scientist and internationally bestselling author Vaclav Smil investigates many of the burning questions facing the world today:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhy are some of the world's biggest food producers also the countries with the most undernourished populations? Why is food waste a colossal 1,000 kcal per person daily, and how can we solve that? Could we all go vegan and be healthy? Should we? How will we feed the ballooning population without killing the planet?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHow Food Really Works\u003c\/em\u003e shows how we misunderstand the essentials of where our food really comes from, how our dietary requirements shape us, and why this impacts our planet in drastic ways. Ultimately, this data-based, rigorously researched guide explains how we will survive and thrive long into the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45692072100076,"sku":"9780241645406","price":28.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780241645406_a19c14b4-6ccc-4896-9eb1-81bc61d275cf.jpg?v=1733697988"},{"product_id":"invention-and-innovation","title":"Invention and Innovation","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\nIn \u003cem\u003eInvention and Innovation\u003c\/em\u003e by Vaclav Smil, readers are taken on a compelling journey through the annals of human ingenuity, exploring the ebbs and flows of discoveries and advancements that have shaped our world. Smil, a prolific author and renowned thinker, offers a meticulously researched narrative that is both thought-provoking and deeply insightful. The book dissects the lifecycle of inventions, from the exhilarating promise of new discoveries to the often-overlooked pitfalls that can follow.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nSmil delves into numerous case studies, analysing the fine line between invention and innovation. He examines the triumphs and tribulations of various groundbreaking technologies, including those that did not live up to their initial hype, such as the airship and nuclear fission, as well as those that brought about unforeseen consequences like leaded gasoline and DDT. Through these examples, Smil highlights the inherent unpredictability of technological advancement and the intellectual humility we must adopt when forecasting the future of new inventions.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nThe author challenges readers to rethink the common narratives about innovation. Smil stresses that not all inventions lead to positive outcomes, often resulting in underperformance or unexpected detriments. By shedding light on these critical nuances, Smil encourages a more realistic approach towards understanding technological progress. He unravels the myths surrounding seemingly revolutionary developments and places a strong emphasis on learning from history to better shape our future.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nVaclav Smil's pragmatic outlook extends to a thoughtful \"wish list\" of essential inventions that humanity requires to tackle the daunting challenges of the 21st century. From combating climate change to addressing global health crises, Smil's wishlist underscores the pressing need for inventions that prioritise sustainability and long-term benefits over short-lived gains.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nEndorsed by influential figures like Bill Gates, \u003cem\u003eInvention and Innovation\u003c\/em\u003e is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of technological advancement. Gates himself notes, \"Every Smil book that I own is marked up with lots of notes that I take while reading. Invention and Innovation is no exception. Even when I disagree with him, I learn a lot from him... he always strengthens my thinking.\" This endorsement, along with its inclusion in various prestigious reading lists, attests to the book's significance and relevance.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nUltimately, \u003cem\u003eInvention and Innovation\u003c\/em\u003e is a richly detailed, balanced exploration of human creativity and its far-reaching impact. Smil's engaging prose and incisive analyses provide readers with a sobering yet enlightening perspective on the realities of technological progress. This book is an essential addition to the library of anyone keen on understanding the real-world implications of human ingenuity. \n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45692093759724,"sku":"9780262048057","price":56.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780262048057.jpg?v=1725552437"},{"product_id":"numbers-dont-lie","title":"Numbers Don't Lie","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eNumbers Don't Lie\u003c\/em\u003e, renowned scientist and polymath Vaclav Smil embarks on an enlightening journey to uncover the hidden truths behind everyday questions and global phenomena. From the perceived dangers of air travel to the collective weight of the world's cattle, Smil delves into the facts and figures that shape our understanding of reality. Through meticulous data analysis, he illuminates how the building blocks of our modern world—nations, populations, energy sources, transportation systems, and technological advancements—interact and impact each other and our planet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eProfessor Smil employs an engaging blend of surprising statistics and visually striking graphs to dismantle common misconceptions and challenge superficial thinking. This book is packed with astonishing revelations and quirky trivia, such as the number of labourers required to construct the Great Pyramid, the unparalleled economic benefits of vaccination, and the limitations of electric cars despite their growing popularity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe content of \u003cem\u003eNumbers Don't Lie\u003c\/em\u003e is presented in concise, easily digestible chapters, each brimming with a unique mix of science, history, and humour. Readers will find themselves continuously amazed by the breadth of topics Smil tackles, all unified by a commitment to factual accuracy and critical inquiry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is both urgent and essential, especially in today’s era of information overload and misinformation. By revealing the stories that numbers truly tell, Smil compels us to reconsider our assumptions and strive for a deeper understanding of the world around us. He passionately argues that facts do matter, as they hold the key to discerning reality amidst the bewildering array of narratives we encounter daily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNumbers Don't Lie\u003c\/em\u003e is an inspiring call to action for readers to scrutinise what they believe to be true and embrace a fact-based worldview. As Bill Gates’ favourite scientist, Vaclav Smil’s mission is clear: to illuminate the undeniable power of numbers and their profound truth.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45692307505388,"sku":"9780241989692","price":24.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780241989692.jpg?v=1725556301"},{"product_id":"size","title":"Size","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA mind-expanding exploration of size, the measure of all things, from the New York Times bestselling author.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe New York Times bestselling author returns with a mind-opening exploration of how size defines life on Earth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eExplaining the key processes shaping size in nature, society, and technology, Smil busts myths around proportions— from bodies to paintings and the so-called golden ratio—tells us what Jonathan Swift got wrong in \u003cem\u003eGulliver's Travels\u003c\/em\u003e—the giant Brobdingnagian's legs would buckle under their enormous weight—and dives headfirst into the most contentious issue in ergonomics: the size of aeroplane seats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt is no exaggeration to say this fascinating and wide-ranging tour de force will change the way you look at absolutely everything.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45692345024748,"sku":"9780241992142","price":24.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780241992142.jpg?v=1725558707"},{"product_id":"energy-and-civilization-by-vaclav-smil-9780262536165","title":"Energy and Civilization","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA comprehensive account of how energy has shaped society throughout history, from pre-agricultural foraging societies through today's fossil fuel-driven civilization.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"I wait for new Smil books the way some people wait for the next 'Star Wars' movie. In his latest book, Energy and Civilization: A History, he goes deep and broad to explain how innovations in humans' ability to turn energy into heat, light, and motion have been a driving force behind our cultural and economic progress over the past 10,000 years.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n— Bill Gates, Gates Notes, Best Books of the Year\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEnergy is the only universal currency; it is necessary for getting anything done. The conversion of energy on Earth ranges from terra-forming forces of plate tectonics to cumulative erosive effects of raindrops. Life on Earth depends on the photosynthetic conversion of solar energy into plant biomass. Humans have come to rely on many more energy flows—ranging from fossil fuels to photovoltaic generation of electricity—for their civilized existence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this monumental history, Vaclav Smil provides a comprehensive account of how energy has shaped society, from pre-agricultural foraging societies through today's fossil fuel-driven civilization. Humans are the only species that can systematically harness energies outside their bodies, using the power of their intellect and an enormous variety of artifacts—from the simplest tools to internal combustion engines and nuclear reactors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe epochal transition to fossil fuels affected everything—agriculture, industry, transportation, weapons, communication, economics, urbanization, quality of life, politics, and the environment. Smil describes humanity's energy eras in panoramic and interdisciplinary fashion, offering readers a magisterial overview.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is an extensively updated and expanded version of Smil's \u003cem\u003eEnergy in World History\u003c\/em\u003e (1994). Smil has incorporated an enormous amount of new material, reflecting the dramatic developments in energy studies over the last two decades and his own research over that time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46342606520556,"sku":"9780262536165","price":41.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/12474663482281.jpg?v=1743923980"},{"product_id":"invention-and-innovation-by-vaclav-smil-9780262551014","title":"Invention and Innovation","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the \u003cem\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/em\u003e-bestselling author, a new volume on the history of human ingenuity—and its attendant breakthroughs and busts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIncluded in BILL GATES's 2023 Holiday Reading List\u003cbr\u003e\nIncluded in Lit Hub's Most Anticipated Books of 2023\u003cbr\u003e\nIncluded in The Next Big Idea Club's February 2023 Must-Read Books\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\"Every Smil book that I own is marked up with lots of notes that I take while reading. \u003cem\u003eInvention and Innovation\u003c\/em\u003e is no exception. Even when I disagree with him, I learn a lot from him...he always strengthens my thinking.\"\u003cbr\u003e—Bill Gates, Gates Notes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe world is never finished catching up with Vaclav Smil. In his latest and perhaps most readable book, \u003cem\u003eInvention and Innovation\u003c\/em\u003e, the prolific author—a favourite of Bill Gates—pens an insightful and fact-filled jaunt through the history of human invention. Impatient with the hype that so often accompanies innovation, Smil offers in this book a clear-eyed corrective to the overpromises that accompany everything from new cures for diseases to AI. He reminds us that even after we go quite far along the invention-development-application trajectory, we may never get anything real to deploy. Or worse, even after we have succeeded by introducing an invention, its future may be marked by underperformance, disappointment, demise, or outright harm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDrawing on his vast breadth of scientific and historical knowledge, Smil explains the difference between invention and innovation, and looks not only at inventions that failed to dominate as promised (such as the airship, nuclear fission, and supersonic flight), but also at those that turned disastrous (leaded gasoline, DDT, and chlorofluorocarbons). And finally, most importantly, he offers a \"wish list\" of inventions that we most urgently need to confront the staggering challenges of the twenty-first century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFilled with engaging examples and pragmatic approaches, this book is a sobering account of the folly that so often attends human ingenuity—and how we can, and must, better align our expectations with reality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46342637453548,"sku":"9780262551014","price":41.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/12623153482281.jpg?v=1743928562"},{"product_id":"how-to-feed-the-world-by-vaclav-smil-9780241999509","title":"How to Feed the World","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHow to Feed the World\u003c\/em\u003e is a myth-busting book about how the world produces and consumes its food, and how to do so without killing the planet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this ambitious, myth-busting book, leading scientist and internationally bestselling author Vaclav Smil investigates many of the burning questions facing the world today. Why are some of the world's biggest food producers also the countries with the most undernourished populations? Why is food waste a colossal 1,000 kcal per person daily, and how can we solve that? Could we all go vegan and be healthy? Should we? How will we feed the ballooning population without killing the planet?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHow Food Really Works\u003c\/em\u003e shows how we misunderstand the essentials of where our food really comes from, how our dietary requirements shape us, and why this impacts our planet in drastic ways. Ultimately, this data-based, rigorously researched guide explains how we will survive and thrive long into the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46546366234860,"sku":"9780241999509","price":30.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780241999509.jpg?v=1750034795"},{"product_id":"speed-by-vaclav-smil-9780241754542","title":"Speed","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrepare to view the world through a new lens - \u003cem\u003eSpeed\u003c\/em\u003e - a groundbreaking exploration that challenges your perceptions of life's driving force, from the internationally bestselling author.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore how speed influences every aspect of life on Earth, from the slow grind of geological processes and the fleeting lifespans of organisms to the astonishing speed of light and the remarkable adaptations of creatures like the swift antelope and the soaring albatross. In this ambitious and wide-ranging ideas book, internationally bestselling author Vaclav Smil uncovers the intricate connections between speed, nature, and human innovation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith counterintuitive insights, such as how erosion actually accelerates mountain growth, Smil challenges long-held myths. For example, Smil debunks the notion that our modern lives are accelerating at an unprecedented pace—the rapid adoption of mobile phones, from 0% in 1983 to 90% in 2002 (19 years), is like the spread of earlier technologies such as radio (22 years), colour television (24 years) and even microwave ovens (17 years).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eSpeed\u003c\/em\u003e, Smil combines his trademark compelling statistics with insightful analysis to take readers on a captivating journey through the vast timescales of Earth's history and the complexities of modern life. He explains how we measure speed and reveals the theoretical limits that shape our societies, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the forces that define our world. This eye-opening book encourages readers to see speed's vital role in everything around us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853094506732,"sku":"9780241754542","price":29.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/3df708b568a1d3eebb3521d52cc0ac0c.jpg?v=1759187496"},{"product_id":"energy-by-vaclav-smil-9781786071330","title":"Energy","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith his famous equation, E=mc\u003csup\u003e2\u003c\/sup\u003e, Einstein showed us that all matter can be described as energy. It is everywhere; it is everything.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this engaging introduction, renowned author and scientist Vaclav Smil covers a wide range of topics, from the inner workings of the human body to the race for more efficient and eco-friendly fuels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eShedding light on the science behind global warming and efforts to prevent it, and how our daily decisions affect energy consumption, this book highlights the importance of energy in both past and present societies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're after insight or dinner table conversation, \u003cem\u003eEnergy: A Beginner's Guide\u003c\/em\u003e will amaze and inform, uncovering the science behind one of the most important concepts in our universe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46854478201068,"sku":"9781786071330","price":36.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781786071330.jpg?v=1759244037"},{"product_id":"materials-and-dematerialization-by-vaclav-smil-9781394181209","title":"Materials and Dematerialization","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWorld-renowned scientist Vaclav Smil examines a critical topic in the research and policy domain of sustainable resource use.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOver the course of time, the modern world has become dependent on unprecedented flows of materials. Now even the most efficient production processes and the highest practical rates of recycling may not be enough to result in dematerialization rates that would be high enough to negate the rising demand for materials generated by continuing population growth and rising standards of living.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eMaterials and Dematerialization\u003c\/i\u003e considers the principal materials used throughout history, from wood and stone to metals, alloys, plastics, and silicon, describing their extraction and production as well as their dominant applications. The evolving productivities of material extraction, processing, synthesis, finishing, and distribution, and the energy costs and environmental impact of rising material consumption are examined in detail. Furthermore, the relationship between socio-economic development and resource use, including major technological and innovation aspects, is explored. The book concludes with an outlook for the future, discussing the prospects for dematerialization, potential constraints on materials, and an updated appraisal of material requirements and prospects during the coming decades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBuilding on the success of his 2013 book, Vaclav Smil has thoroughly revised this landmark text to highlight advances that have taken place over the last decade, including a thorough review of statistics and references to 2022. This updated edition also includes new content to explicitly address material for global energy transition and for securing food for a still growing global population.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePraise for the 1st edition\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\"Vaclav Smil keeps turning out amazing books. \u003ci\u003eMaking the Modern World\u003c\/i\u003e, I just finished, and it’s pretty fantastic.\" (\u003ci\u003eInterview with Bill Gates, January 2014\u003c\/i\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46854668353772,"sku":"9781394181209","price":68.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781394181209.jpg?v=1759251380"},{"product_id":"should-we-eat-meat-by-vaclav-smil-9781118278727","title":"Should We Eat Meat?","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeat eating is often a contentious subject, whether considering the technical, ethical, environmental, political, or health-related aspects of production and consumption.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a wide-ranging and interdisciplinary examination and critique of meat consumption by humans, throughout their evolution and around the world. Setting the scene with a chapter on meat’s role in human evolution and its growing influence during the development of agricultural practices, the book goes on to examine modern production systems, their efficiencies, outputs, and impacts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe major global trends of meat consumption are described in order to find out what part its consumption plays in changing modern diets in countries around the world. The heart of the book addresses the consequences of the \"massive carnivory\" of western diets, looking at the inefficiencies of production and at the huge impacts on land, water, and the atmosphere. Health impacts are also covered, both positive and negative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn conclusion, the author looks forward at his vision of “rational meat eating”, where environmental and health impacts are reduced, animals are treated more humanely, and alternative sources of protein make a higher contribution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eShould We Eat Meat?\u003c\/em\u003e is not an ideological tract for or against carnivorousness but rather a careful evaluation of meat's roles in human diets and the environmental and health consequences of its production and consumption. It will be of interest to a wide readership including professionals and academics in food and agricultural production, human health and nutrition, environmental science, and regulatory and policy-making bodies around the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47464211415276,"sku":"9781118278727","price":73.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781118278727-should-we-eat-meat.jpg?v=1775042516"},{"product_id":"speed-by-vaclav-smil-9781405977494","title":"Speed","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrepare to view the world through a new lens - \u003ci\u003eSpeed\u003c\/i\u003e - a groundbreaking exploration that challenges your perceptions of life's driving force, from the internationally bestselling author.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'There is no author whose books I look forward to more' Bill Gates\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'There is perhaps no other academic who paints pictures with numbers like Smil' Guardian\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDiscover how speed shapes life on Earth, from grinding geological processes to the astonishing speed of light. In this wide-ranging ideas book, internationally bestselling author Vaclav Smil explores the connections between speed, nature, and human innovation. With surprising insights - like how erosion actually accelerates mountain growth - Smil debunks the myth that modern life is accelerating at an unprecedented rate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCombining compelling statistics with insightful analysis, Smil takes readers on a captivating journey through the vast timescales of Earth's history all the way down to the complexities of the present day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSmil explains how we measure speed and reveals its theoretical limits, offering a thought-provoking look at the forces defining our world. This eye-opening book encourages readers to see speed's vital role in everything around us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47648329498860,"sku":"9781405977494","price":32.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781405977494-speed.jpg?v=1779256855"},{"product_id":"numbers-tell-stories-by-vaclav-smil-9780241758854","title":"Numbers Tell Stories","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the internationally bestselling author, a revealing look at the surprising numbers that uncover the hidden forces shaping our world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhat do marriage, milk and the black market tell us about the state of humanity? Most people would say, not much at all. But the numbers reveal startling truths about who we are, how we live, and where we're headed. For centuries, we've told ourselves stories about how the world works—yet the data often point to a very different reality. In \u003cem\u003eNumbers Tell Stories\u003c\/em\u003e, Vaclav Smil shows how statistics challenge conventional thinking and illuminate the hidden forces shaping our lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTake marriage. Weren't people in the past married off as children? In fact, in eighteenth-century France, the median age was 29 for men and 27 for women—not that different to today. Or longevity. Should we look to Japan to unlock the secrets of a long, healthy life? Perhaps—but only one in five Japanese men and women retains full independence in old age. Even the world's healthiest nation still has far to go. And waste. It sounds absurd, but discarded electronics contain more gold per ton than gold ore itself—our rubbish is richer than our mines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eClimate change is another challenge we know is huge—but the real shock is the scale of the economic effort required to act in time. Cutting greenhouse gas emissions on the recommended timescale would demand 15 to 20 per cent of annual GDP in wealthy countries—roughly equivalent to the resources mobilised by the Allies to win the Second World War. Numbers on that scale are not abstract: they would transform daily life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBehind every familiar story, Smil uncovers the statistics that can reframe the past, jolt our view of the present, and change how we think about the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47976730624236,"sku":"9780241758854","price":32.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780241758854-numbers-tell-stories.jpg?v=1784697840"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/vaclav-smil.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}