Energy and Rhythm

Gordon Walker is professor of environment and justice at the Lancaster Environment Centre at Lancaster University.

• Chapter 1 Introduction: Energy and Rhythm TogetherChapter 2 Rhythm and Rhythmanalysis: Interpretation and FoundationChapter 3 Energetic Rhythms: Thermodynamics and RhythmanalysisChapter 4: Solar and Social Rhythms: Light, Heat and Polyrhythmic ChangeChapter 5: Rhythms in Energy Systems: Grid Electricity and Big (Carbon) PowerChapter 6: Low Carbon Rhythms and Electricity Systems in Polyrhythmic TransitionChapter 7 Rhythms without Techno-energies: Bodies, Homes and Cities

Walker offers readers his view (extending Lefebvre's theory of rhythmanalysis) that the challenge of a low carbon future can be framed in terms of mastering the interactions between different forms of energy and the various rhythms that define people's lives, from natural circadian rhythms to the omnipresent technological rhythms of 21st-century life. Given this context, the challenges of a low carbon future can be alternatively considered by reimagining these rhythms and creating new rhythms that better position humans for a sustainable future. . . . Framing the current energy challenges in terms of rhythms is an interesting and novel idea that may appeal to individuals as they consider how to contribute to the coming and inevitable energy transition. Recommended.