Predicting the future has long been a cornerstone of science fiction. Now seventeen farseeing authors have taken up the challenge of gazing into the future and seeing where America may be the day after tomorrow. From an America where history has become myth and misinformation amid the ruins of a once-vast land...to a place where the only existence for genetic misfits is as slaves to the "Gawders"...to a company intent on cloning the world's species, both extinct and endangered, back to a balanced ecosystem, here are original stories that will have readers thinking about the future, and about how their own actions now could make a difference tomorrow.

Praise for Future Energy "Do not despair. Energy independence is in our future and this book has the road map! Bill Paul, one of the most astute observers of the energy scene, describes the new technologies that are taking us there and that will change our lives. A must-read book showing how business, citizens, and investors can take advantage." —Consuelo Mack, Anchor and Managing Editor Consuelo Mack WealthTrack Concerns over the availability and security of world energy supplies, especially when it comes to crude oil, have many people wondering what the future of this industry holds and how technology will continue to change it. Thanks to the energy technology revolution currently taking place, a promising "new" oil industry is quickly beginning to take shape-and it will, without a doubt, affect every company, household, and investor. In Future Energy, author Bill Paul-a national energy and environmentaljournalist for more than thirty years-skillfully addresses the investment implications of this new oil industry and shows you how to profit from the changes that lie ahead. Filled with in-depth insights and expert advice, Future Energy will introduce you to some of the most essential issues found within this new environment, including: The companies that will be counted on as the producers andinfrastructure providers of the new oil industry Why you should consider holding "oil shock" absorbing investmentsin your portfolio How electricity will become a new transportation fuel, providingunprecedented transportation fuel diversity The role that substitute liquid fuels (SLFs) will play in the newoil industry And much more

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has adapted to the changing political, economic, and technical state of the nation and the world since it was established in the late nineteenth century. Over a period of more than 120 years, the USGS has evolved from a small group of scientists who collected data and provided guidance on how to parcel, manage, and use the public lands of the West to an agency comprised of thousands of scientists who conduct research and assessment activities on complex scientific issues at scales ranging from the local to the global. The USGS will no doubt continue to evolve and adapt to meet changing national needs. In fact, the recent integration of the National Biological Service and parts of the U.S. Bureau of Mines into the USGS presents an ideal opportunity to examine the agency's vision, mission, role, and scientific opportunities as the organization begins the early years of the twenty-first century. The USGS recognized the need to adapt to changing demands when it asked the National Research Council (NRC) to undertake this study. The NRC formed a multidisciplinary committee of 16 experts to address issues related to the future roles, challenges, and opportunities of the agency.

"Our Energy Future is an introductory textbook for a college course in energy production, alternative and renewable fuels, and related issues involved in building a sustainable energy future. Our society is consuming energy at an alarming rate as trends in energy consumption continue to rise. Jones and Mayfield explore the creation and history of fossil fuels, their impact on the environment, and how they have become critical to our society. They warn that continuing fuel-usage patterns could permanently damage our environment. Jones and Mayfield also outline how the adoption of sustainable biofuels will be key to our future energy stability. They discuss a number of renewable energy options, and then discuss different biofuel feedstocks and their potential as replacements for petroleum-based products. This book emphasizes the importance of continued scientific, agricultural, and engineering development, while outlining the political and environmental challenges that are coupled with a complete shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy and biomass. Our Energy Future is an excellent, accessible resource for undergraduate students studying biofuels and bioenergy."--Provided by publisher.

Dispelling the myth of decline, Stuart Brown argues that the US continues to enjoy the economic, political, cultural and military underpinnings befitting a pre-eminent global power. He provides an analytical tour through the major domestic and foreign policy issues that will impact the United States' future position and role in the global system.

It explains what will happen to US enterprise, markets, and the government in forthcoming decades.