My thanks go to the many people who assisted in the creation of this book, people whom I call curators of information. They tirelessly gathered facts and figures to illuminate the world in order that others may ponder it.
As always, special thanks to my sounding board Patrick Totty for advice, research, suggestions, encouragement, and conversation over a few cocktails.
To my online editor, Suzanne Staszak-Silva, and my production editor, who have been patient and understanding in getting this manuscript into publishing form, and to Rowman & Littlefield for giving me the opportunity to write for others to read.
According to whoever said it first, “There are lies, damn lies, and statistics.” Most of the stats here have been gathered by local, state, federal, and international government agencies; scientists; writers; power and utility companies; universities; other informed sources; and the Oz of the internet. Consequently, I do not claim that all the statistics presented represent accurate and true statements, percentages, and facts, and I do not warrant or make any representations as to the content, accuracy, or completeness of the information, text, graphics, charts, web links, websites, and other items contained in their media presentations.
Aggregating and writing information for this kind of book has its inherent problems and predicaments. When presented with the same questions, different people use different ways to find diverse answers and conclusions. Consequently, answers may vary, sometimes quite a bit. In addition, some of the facts presented may be affected by time, changing world events, or new discoveries. As in many things, opinions vary as to number, percentages, predictions, and the veracity, or divergence from same, of the results obtained by individuals using the same information. No one can completely and accurately predict the future. And not all scientists would agree on matters such as global warming and climate change due to greenhouse gases, space exploration and colonization, or the availability of certain products and methods listed herein.
What I have tried to do is present an informed opinion about how homes and metropolises will be built, look, and function. I have also stated that there have been doomsayers that made and continue to make dire predictions about the fate of the earth—I hope I’m not viewed as one of those people, but I figure it’s best to err on the side of caution and not carelessness.
Although most of the facts presented herein are defensible, I use them as literary, entertainment, and educational devices to give the reader a general perspective on the subject of resources, energy, materials, the waste we create, and how we may live and/or cope with them in the future. In an effort to communicate more easily and effectively I have taken some averages, mean numbers, and common sense and have modified statements in order to reflect more than one set of opinions and/or updated them by logic and informed opinion.
The lawyers put it another way: Neither the author or publisher, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, or guarantee, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, percentage, apparatus, product, device, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial copyright, product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement or recommendation. The author does not receive any recompense or trade-offs for any product or persons mentioned in this book.
The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group or its agents. This book is for entertainment and educational purposes only.