This textbook gives and introduction to the relationship between energy and the global environment, covering the basics of energy, why it's important, it's effect on the environment, current systems and sustainable alternatives.

Energy is placed at the front of a discussion of geo-systems, living systems, technological development and the global environment.

One of the main topics is a look at how systems are related to each other through energy and energy flows, such as wind power, biomass and solar power.