Synopsis
"Internal Combustion: How Corporations and Governments Addicted the World to Oil and Subverted the Alternatives" by Edwin Black is a meticulously researched and compelling narrative that delves into the historical, political, and corporate forces that have shaped the global dependency on oil, while systematically undermining alternative energy sources. Black traces the roots of the world's oil addiction back to the early days of the automobile and industrialization, highlighting how powerful interests, including oil companies, automotive giants, and government entities, conspired to ensure that oil became the dominant energy source.
The book explores the manipulation of technology and public policy to favor oil over cleaner, more sustainable alternatives. Black provides a detailed account of how early electric vehicles, which were once a viable and popular option, were deliberately sabotaged by corporate interests that saw greater profit in gasoline-powered cars. He also discusses the suppression of public transportation systems in favor of car-centric urban planning, which further entrenched the dependence on oil.
Throughout "Internal Combustion," Black examines the broader implications of this engineered dependency, including the environmental degradation and geopolitical conflicts that have resulted from the relentless pursuit of oil. The book sheds light on the ways in which corporations and governments have worked together to maintain the status quo, often at the expense of innovation and the public good. Black's analysis extends to contemporary issues, discussing how these historical patterns continue to influence energy policy and the ongoing struggle to develop and implement alternative energy solutions.
In this sweeping exposé, Edwin Black challenges readers to reconsider the origins of the modern energy landscape and to recognize the deliberate choices that have led to the current crisis. "Internal Combustion" is both a history lesson and a call to action, urging a re-evaluation of the energy choices that have been made and a renewed commitment to breaking the cycle of oil dependency for the sake of the planet's future.