Thanatia: The Destiny Of The Earth's Mineral Resources - A Thermodynamic Cradle-to-cradle Assessment

Thanatia: The Destiny Of The Earth's Mineral Resources - A Thermodynamic Cradle-to-cradle Assessment
Author: Antonio Valero Capilla
Publisher: World Scientific
Total Pages: 670
Release: 2014-08-18
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9814602493

Is Gaia becoming Thanatia, a resource exhausted planet? For how long can our high-tech society be sustained in the light of declining mineral ore grades, heavy dependence on un-recycled critical metals and accelerated material dispersion? These are all root causes of future disruptions that need to be addressed today.This book presents a cradle-to-cradle view of the Earth's abiotic resources through a novel and rigorous approach based on the Second Law of Thermodynamics: heat dissipates and materials deteriorate and disperse. Quality is irreversibly lost. This allows for the assessment of such depletion and can be used to estimate the year where production of the main mineral commodities could reach its zenith. By postulating Thanatia, one acquires a sense of destiny and a concern for a unified global management of the planet's abiotic resource endowment.The book covers the core aspects of geology, geochemistry, mining, metallurgy, economics, the environment, thermodynamics and thermochemistry. It is supported by comprehensive databases related to mineral resources, including detailed compositions of the Earth's layers, thermochemical properties of over 300 substances, historical energy and mineral resource inventories, energy consumption and environmental impacts in the mining and metallurgical sector and world recycling rates of commodities.

The Material Limits of Energy Transition: Thanatia

The Material Limits of Energy Transition: Thanatia
Author: Alicia Valero
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 273
Release: 2021
Genre: Electronic books
ISBN: 3030785335

Earth has become a huge mine, with a greater quantity and variety of fundamental mineral resources being extracted year after year. Technology, from electric cars to everyday electrical equipment, consume vast amounts of scarce raw materials. On a planet with limited resources, are these minerals being properly assessed? Will there be enough raw materials to meet the demand of a world population on track to reach 10 billion people? What will be the consequences of accelerated resource depredation? Will the planet one day become 'Thanatia', a resource-exhausted Earth? This book allows readers to understand the mineral heritage of the Earth, considering the demand for raw materials in society, comparing it with the availability of resources on Earth and the impact of mining. The basics of physical geonomics are exlpained, allowing readers to analyse the loss of mineral resources on the planet. The impact of renewable energies and technologies, including electric vehicles, are studied. The book concludes with possible solutions to mineral depletion, from increasing recycling rates, ecodesign measures or alternative sources of mineral resources. Providing numerous tables and illustrations, 'The Material Limits of Energy Transition: Thanatia' gives readers a thorough understanding of mineral depletion. Exploring geology, geochemistry, mining, metallurgy, the environment and thermodynamics, this is a truly holistic book.

ECOS 2012 The 25th International Conference on Efficiency, Cost, Optimization and Simulation of Energy Conversion Systems and Processes (Perugia, June 26th-June 29th, 2012)

ECOS 2012 The 25th International Conference on Efficiency, Cost, Optimization and Simulation of Energy Conversion Systems and Processes (Perugia, June 26th-June 29th, 2012)
Author: Umberto Desideri
Publisher: Firenze University Press
Total Pages: 3218
Release: 2012
Genre: Energy conservation
ISBN: 8866553220

The 8-volume set contains the Proceedings of the 25th ECOS 2012 International Conference, Perugia, Italy, June 26th to June 29th, 2012. ECOS is an acronym for Efficiency, Cost, Optimization and Simulation (of energy conversion systems and processes), summarizing the topics covered in ECOS: Thermodynamics, Heat and Mass Transfer, Exergy and Second Law Analysis, Process Integration and Heat Exchanger Networks, Fluid Dynamics and Power Plant Components, Fuel Cells, Simulation of Energy Conversion Systems, Renewable Energies, Thermo-Economic Analysis and Optimisation, Combustion, Chemical Reactors, Carbon Capture and Sequestration, Building/Urban/Complex Energy Systems, Water Desalination and Use of Water Resources, Energy Systems- Environmental and Sustainability Issues, System Operation/ Control/Diagnosis and Prognosis, Industrial Ecology.

Sustainability Assessment and Reporting

Sustainability Assessment and Reporting
Author: Soner Gokten
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
Total Pages: 110
Release: 2018-09-19
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 178923736X

We are more aware of the need to achieve sustainable development than ever before. One of the main factors to achieve the goal of sustainable development is sustainability assessment and reporting because it is not possible to take precautions without understanding the current situation. And also, undoubtedly, future generations have a right to know what kind of world we will leave them. This book brings together different perspectives on sustainability assessment and reporting. When you look at the chapters, you will understand that sustainability assessment and reporting are addressing interdisciplinary and vast areas. It should be because sustainability assessment and reporting cover all aspects of social, economic and environmental factors. In this five-chapter book, you will see how sustainability assessment and reporting are addressed in different areas.

Digital Economy Report 2024

Digital Economy Report 2024
Author: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Publisher: Stylus Publishing, LLC
Total Pages: 341
Release: 2024-07-10
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 9213589786

The Digital Economy Report 2024 turns the attention to the environmental footprint of digitalization. The Report discusses environmental impacts along the life cycle of digital devices and information and communications technology infrastructure with regard to raw material extraction and processing, manufacturing, distribution; use and the end-of-life phase. The direct effects on natural resources, including transition minerals, energy and water, as well as greenhouse gas emissions and waste-related pollution can be said to constitute the “environmental footprint” of the ICT sector. There are also indirect environmental effects from the use of digital technologies and services in different sectors of the economy, and the Report includes a dedicated chapter on e-commerce. The report underlines the need to maximize the positive impact of digitalization while minimizing the negative impacts on environmental sustainability.

Eco-efficient Construction and Building Materials

Eco-efficient Construction and Building Materials
Author: Fernando Pacheco-Torgal
Publisher: Woodhead Publishing
Total Pages: 641
Release: 2014-02-14
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0857097725

Eco-efficient Construction and Building Materials reviews ways of assessing the environmental impact of construction and building materials. Part one discusses the application of life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to building materials as well as eco-labeling. Part two includes case studies showing the application of LCA methodology to different types of building material, from cement and concrete to wood and adhesives used in building. Part three includes case studies applying LCA methodology to particular structures and components. - Reviews ways of assessing the environmental impact of construction and building materials - Provides a thorough overview, including strengths and shortcomings, of the life cycle assessment (LCA) and eco-labeling of eco-efficient construction and building materials - Includes case studies showing the application of LCA methodology to different types of building material, from cement and concrete to wood and adhesives used in building

Thermodynamics for Sustainable Management of Natural Resources

Thermodynamics for Sustainable Management of Natural Resources
Author: Wojciech Stanek
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 511
Release: 2017-05-27
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 3319486497

This book examines ways of assessing the rational management of nonrenewable resources. Integrating numerous methods, it systematically exposes the strengths of exergy analysis in resources management. Divided into two parts, the first section provides the theoretical background to assessment methods, while the second section provides practical application examples. The topics covered in detail include the theory of exergy cost and thermo-ecological cost, cumulative calculus and life cycle evaluation. This book serves as a valuable resource for researchers looking to investigate a range of advanced thermodynamic assessments of the influence of production processes on the depletion of nonrenewable resources.

The Book of Truths

The Book of Truths
Author: James Mooney
Publisher: Black & White Publishing
Total Pages: 170
Release: 2024-10-24
Genre: Poetry
ISBN: 1785305999

Embrace a unique journey as The Wandering Paddy shares his thoughts and experiences on the challenges we all face, on mental health, and on the invaluable life lessons he has learned along the way in this distinctive collection. The Book of Truths will inspire you to appreciate the beauty and fragility of life. It's all about living and loving with gratitude and compassion, cherishing the time we have together rather than taking it for granted. Exploring love, belonging, spirituality and hope, this powerful poetry will shine a spotlight on the importance of seeking truth in our lives and show you how to make the most of every precious moment.

Exergy for A Better Environment and Improved Sustainability 2

Exergy for A Better Environment and Improved Sustainability 2
Author: Fethi Aloui
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 1173
Release: 2018-08-22
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 3319625756

This multi-disciplinary book presents the most recent advances in exergy, energy, and environmental issues. Volume 2 focuses on applications and covers current problems, future needs, and prospects in the area of energy and environment from researchers worldwide. Based on selected lectures from the Seventh International Exergy, Energy and Environmental Symposium (IEEES7-2015) and complemented by further invited contributions, this comprehensive set of contributions promote the exchange of new ideas and techniques in energy conversion and conservation in order to exchange best practices in "energetic efficiency". Applications are included that apply to the green transportation and sustainable mobility sectors, especially regarding the development of sustainable technologies for thermal comforts and green transportation vehicles. Furthermore, contributions on renewable and sustainable energy sources, strategies for energy production, and the carbon-free society constitute an important part of this book. Exergy for Better Environment and Sustainablity, Volume 2 will appeal to researchers, students, and professionals within engineering and the renewable energy fields.

Thanatia

Thanatia
Author: Antonio Valero Capilla
Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Company Incorporated
Total Pages: 629
Release: 2014
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 9789814273930

Is Gaia becoming Thanatia, a resource exhausted planet? For how long can our high-tech society be sustained in the light of declining mineral ore grades, heavy dependence on un-recycled critical metals and accelerated material dispersion? These are all root causes of future disruptions that need to be addressed today. This book presents a cradle-to-cradle view of the Earth's abiotic resources through a novel and rigorous approach based on the Second Law of Thermodynamics: heat dissipates and materials deteriorate and disperse. Quality is irreversibly lost. This allows for the assessment of such depletion and can be used to estimate the year where production of the main mineral commodities could reach its zenith. By postulating Thanatia, one acquires a sense of destiny and a concern for a unified global management of the planet's abiotic resource endowment. The book covers the core aspects of geology, geochemistry, mining, metallurgy, economics, the environment, thermodynamics and thermochemistry. It is supported by comprehensive databases related to mineral resources, including detailed compositions of the Earth's layers, thermochemical properties of over 300 substances, historical energy and mineral resource inventories, energy consumption and environmental impacts in the mining and metallurgical sector and world recycling rates of commodities.