The Carbon Footprint of our Primary Energy Sources supplies readers with a comprehensive, accessible analysis of the carbon footprints of a range of primary energy sources including crude oil, natural gas, coal, solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, hydroelectric energy, nuclear energy and biofuels, and their carbon footprints, employing a full lifecycle assessment (LCA) of each primary energy source. This text, along with its accompanying interactive calculator, furnishes both the foundation and a tool for estimating carbon footprints for a range of energy systems. The work culminates in a cost-benefit analysis of these primary energy sources. With the significant uptick of global investment in alternative energies and the global focus on reducing emissions, this text delivers an important foundational overview/understanding of these systems, and an opportunity for teachers and readers to apply learnings to their own energy consumption choices.

1. Our energy mix and our carbon footprint2. The carbon footprint of crude oil3. The carbon footprint of natural gas4. The carbon footprint of coal5. The carbon footprint of solar energy6. The carbon footprint of wind energy7. The carbon footprint of geothermal energy8. The carbon footprint of hydroelectric energy9. The carbon footprint of nuclear energy10. The carbon footprint of biofuels11. The carbon footprint of energy consumption sectors12. A cost-benefit analysis of our primary energy sources