Food, Energy, and Society

Since the publication of the first edition of Food, Energy, and Society, the world's natural resources have become even more diminished due to the rapid expansion of the global human population. We are faced with dwindling food supplies in certain geographic areas, increasing pressure on energy resources, and the imminent extinction of many threatened species. In light of these major issues, this third edition presents an updated and expanded analysis on the interdependency of food, energy, water, land, and biological resources.
Written by internationally renowned experts, the book includes new material on livestock production and energy use, the impacts of pesticides on the environment, and the conservation of biodiversity in agricultural, forestry, and marine systems. It also compares the energy inputs of crop production in developing and developed countries, covers the agricultural and environmental issues related to water resources, and details the threat of soil erosion to food and the environment. In addition, the book explores the very timely topics of solar energy, biomass systems, and ethanol production.
Offering a startling glimpse at what our planet may become, this edition shows how to achieve the necessary balance between basic human needs and environmental resources and provides potential solutions to the host of problems we face today.

David Pimentel, Marcia H. Pimentel

Energy and Society. Energy and Power. Solar Energy in Natural and Managed Ecosystems. Ecological Systems, Natural Resources, and Food Supplies. Manipulating Ecosystems for Agriculture. Hunter-Gatherers and Early Agriculture. Early Livestock Systems and Animal Power. Livestock Production and Energy Use. Energy Use in Fish and Aquacultural Production. Energy Use in Grain and Legume Production. Energy Use in Fruit, Vegetable, and Forage Production. Energy Inputs in Crop Production: Comparison of Developed and Developing Countries. Pesticide Impacts on the Environment. Water Resources: Agricultural and Environmental Issues. Soil Erosion: A Food and Environmental Threat. Conservation of Biological Diversity in Agricultural, Forestry, and Marine Systems. Food Processing, Packaging, and Preparation. Transport of Agricultural Supplies and Food. Renewable Energy: Current and Potential Issues. Biomass: Food versus Fuel. Ethanol Production Using Corn, Switchgrass, and Wood and Biodiesel Production Using Soybean and Sunflower. U.S. Energy Conservation and Efficiency: Benefits and Costs. Summing Up: Options and Solutions.