There is so much hype out there today on numerous important world issues. Most people, myself included, want to know the unbiased facts of these issues. If you would like a glimpse into the facts of some of these issues then “Physics For Future Presidents” by Richard A. Muller is a good place to start.
The book gets at the heart of the issues by explaining the math and physics behind the issues. As I fondly remember a physics professor say in engineering school, “Physics Doesn’t Lie.” What’s great about the book is the explanation in layman’s terms. However for those interested the math and physics formulas/calculations are footnotes and included in the notes at the back of the book.
I learned somethings that I was previously not aware. For example there is no energy source currently more potent or economic than oil and coal. While there is certainly promise for clean energy, economics will continue to be a big barrier. A barrier that will be important for emerging nations.
I am encouraged by pebble bed reactors since they eliminate water for cooling. However regulation in the U.S. currently requires water cooling for safety. The book’s title signifies what any president must balance between scientific facts versus the general public perception on these issues.
If you’d like to learn more scientific facts for key issues such as:
- Terrorism
- Energy
- Nukes
- Space
- Global Warming
Then this book is a great start. However until a new form of energy becomes economically available there is no better solution than conserving the energy that you do use.
Bob Porras 