Society's use of energy and technology is at heart of many of the most significant environmental problems of recent years, including problems of health, global warming and acid rain. Use of technology has been a major cause of environmental problems but newly-developed technology offers many solutions. This study is an introduction to energy and energy use, and the interactions between technology, society and the environment. The book is structured to examine: key environmental issues, and the harmful impacts of energy use; new technological solutions to environmental problems; implementation of possible solutions; and implications for society in developing a sustainable approach to energy use. Social processes and strategic solutions to problems are located within a technological context with case studies and diagrams illustrating key issues. This text examines the potential and limits of technical solutions to environmental problems and suggests the social, economic and political changes necessary to avoid serious environmental damage in the future.