The Essential Amory Lovins

In case you have not heard of him, Amory Lovins is a leading authority on energy issues as they relate to the economic, environmental, developmental and security concerns. He is the author of 31 books and over 450 papers in various disciplines. This book charts the development of his thinking with selected writings on the 1970s onwards, beginning with some beautifully written reflections on climbing in North Wales. The theme running through the book is applied hope, which has certain similarities with the concept of active hope formulated by Joanna Macy and referred to in my review of the book the same name. Amory has followed the advice one of his mentors Edwin Land who remarked that one should not undertake a project unless it is manifestly important and nearly impossible. His 1976 article on long-term constraints on human activity is prescient, as is his forecast of US energy strategy from the same year, with an afterword dated 2011.

One of his creative areas has been the development of the hypercar, initially realised in hybrids but now being further elaborated. He is also a specialist on building design and his own house is nearly 100% energy efficient. His 2006 presentation to the US Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is radical in its vision of eliminating reliance on oil from any source using drivers from market economics. Towards the end of the book, there is a roadmap of natural capitalism and an inspiring address called 'Imagine a World' depicting his vision for the future and I end with a short extract: 'Imagine a world where reason, diversity, tolerance and democracy are once more in the ascendant; where economic and religious fundamentalism are obsolete; where tyranny is odious, rare, failing, and dwindling; and where global consciousness has transcended fear to live and strive in hope.'