Includes bibliographical references (pages 224-226) and index.

Are alternative energy sources necessary? The world is running out of oil / Matthew Simmons, interviewed by Amanda Griscom Little -- The world is not running out of oil / Daniel Yergin -- A transition to renewable energy sources is necessary / David Goodstein -- A transition to renewable energy sources is not feasible / Paul Roberts -- Alternative energy sources are necessary to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil / Institute for the Analysis of Global Security -- Replacing foreign oil imports with alternatives would be disastrous / Justin Fox -- Is nuclear power a viable energy alternative? Nuclear power is the energy of the future / John Ritch -- Nuclear power is not the energy of the future / Helen Caldicott -- Nuclear power is a safe alternative to fossil fuels / Patrick Moore -- Nuclear power is not a safe alternative to fossil fuels / Harvey Blatt -- Nuclear waste can be handled safely / Matthew L. Wald -- Nuclear waste cannot be handled safely / Mary Olson -- What renewable energy sources should be developed? Solar power can help fuel the future / Glenn Hamer -- Solar power is an impractical energy source / Michael Fox -- Wind power should be pursued / Jim Motavalli -- The drawbacks of wind power far outweigh the benefits / Eric Rosenbloom -- Biomass is a proven renewable resource with many uses / U.S. Department of Energy -- Geothermal energy is a promising alternative energy source / National Geothermal Collaborative -- Developing a variety of renewables can best solve the energy crisis / National Economic Council -- Should alternatives to fossil fuels be pursued? Hydrogen can replace petroleum-based automotive fuels / Tom Nicholls -- Hydrogen is impractical as an automotive fuel / David W. Keith and Alexander E. Farrell -- Alternatives to fossil fuels are the long-term energy solution / David Friedman -- Biofuels are clean and affordable alternatives / Vivaj V. Vaitheeswaran -- Plasma technology can improve fuel efficiency / Kevin Roark.