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Making the Modern World

Vaclav Smil · ISBN 9781119942535
Making the Modern World | Zookal Textbooks | Zookal Textbooks
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Publisher John Wiley & Sons (UK)
Author(s) Vaclav Smil
Subtitle Materials and Dematerialization
Edition 1
Published 22nd November 2013
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Materials and Dematerialization

How much further should the affluent world push its material
consumption? Does relative dematerialization lead to absolute
decline in demand for materials?  These and many other
questions are discussed and answered in Making the Modern World:
Materials and Dematerialization.


Over the course of time, the modern world has become dependent
on unprecedented flows of materials. Now even the most efficient
production processes and the highest practical rates of recycling
may not be enough to result in dematerialization rates that would
be high enough to negate the rising demand for materials generated
by continuing population growth and rising standards of living.
This book explores the costs of this dependence and the potential
for substantial dematerialization of modern economies. 


Making the Modern World: Materials and Dematerialization
considers the principal materials used throughout history, from
wood and stone, through to metals, alloys, plastics and silicon,
describing their extraction and production as well as their
dominant applications. The evolving productivities of material
extraction, processing, synthesis, finishing and distribution, and
the energy costs and environmental impact of rising material
consumption are examined in detail. The book concludes with an
outlook for the future, discussing the prospects for
dematerialization and potential constrains on materials.


This interdisciplinary text provides useful perspectives for
readers with backgrounds including resource economics,
environmental studies, energy analysis, mineral geology, industrial
organization, manufacturing and material science.

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