<DIV><P>This groundbreaking book, from a distinguished sociologist, examines the profound adjustments required to live in a world where oil is no longer an easily-available energy source. It considers what societies that are powering down would be like; what lessons can be learned from the past; will rationing systems or the market allocate scarce energy? Can virtual worlds solve energy problems? What levels of income and wellbeing would be likely?<B> <B>Urry analyzes how the twentieth century created a kind of mirage of the future that is unsustainable into even the medium term and envisions the future of an oil-dependent world facing energy descent. Without a large-scale plan B, how can the energizing of society possibly be going into reverse?</P></DIV>