As the world's traditional sources of energy are gradually being depleted, global energy usage continues to increase. The impetus to find new sources of energy is rendered even more urgent when you consider that traditional sources of energy are costly and can cause widespread damage to the Earth and its climate. This volume examines our reliance on fossil fuels, the risks associated with our continued dependence on them, and surveys the costs and benefits of other sources of energy, including nuclear energy, biofuels, and solar, wind, and water power.