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Project Sunshine

How science can use the sun to fuel and feed the world

Steve McKevitt author Tony Ryan author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Icon Books

Published:28th Feb '13

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Project Sunshine cover

Exploring innovative uses of solar energy, Project Sunshine reveals how science can provide sustainable food and energy for a growing global population.

In Project Sunshine, readers are introduced to the groundbreaking concept of utilizing solar energy to address the pressing challenges of food and energy for a rapidly growing global population. The authors, Steve McKevitt and Tony Ryan, present compelling evidence that just one hour of sunlight could fulfill the world's energy and food needs for an entire year. This astonishing revelation sets the stage for a deeper exploration of our relationship with the sun and its potential to revolutionize our approach to sustainability.

The narrative takes us on a historical journey, illustrating how humanity's connection with the sun has evolved over time. By examining our past interactions with solar energy, the authors highlight the detrimental reliance on fossil fuels, which they refer to as 'fossilized sunshine.' This dependence has led to significant environmental and economic challenges, but Project Sunshine offers a hopeful perspective by showcasing innovative scientific advancements that can help us reconnect with the solar economy.

As the book unfolds, McKevitt and Ryan delve into the cutting-edge technologies and scientific breakthroughs that promise a sustainable future. They emphasize the importance of not only harnessing solar energy but also restoring our relationship with the earth that sustains us. Through engaging storytelling and insightful analysis, Project Sunshine inspires readers to envision a world where solar energy plays a crucial role in feeding and powering a population of 10 billion people sustainably.

Lucid, optimistic - and plans to save the world ... This is stirring stuff, and well told -- Fred Pearce, New Scientist
A ray of sunshine on the issues of food and energy security. -- Nature
This is an important, much needed book. It shows that things can't go on as they have done: population growth, fossil-fuel burning, greenhouse-gas pollution. But it also explains that they don't need to. Technologies exist, or are on the threshold of existing, that can keep the lights on and keep food on the shelves. Without being Panglossian or diminishing the challenge, Project Sunshine offers rays of hope. -- Philip Ball, author of Critical Mass and H2O: A Biography of Water
Tony Ryan and Steve McKevitt argue forcefully that if we are to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today, we need to put our local star at the centre of human affairs. They marshal a wide range of scientific research to show that we could all benefit from becoming a society of sun worshippers. -- Roger Highfield
'A sweeping narrative of past and present, Project Sunshine explores the way we use (and waste) our resources and how solar power may yet solve the energy crisis ... with wonderful factual nuggets and handy numbers to have up one's sleeve. -- Dame Athene Donald * Times Higher Education *

ISBN: 9781848315136

Dimensions: 222mm x 144mm x 30mm

Weight: 451g

320 pages