Sans transition Une nouvelle histoire de l'énergie

"Sans transition: Une nouvelle histoire de l'énergie" challenges the widely held belief that humanity has progressed through a series of distinct energy transitions, where one dominant source replaced another. Jean-Baptiste Fressoz, a historian of science, technology, and the environment, presents a meticulously researched account revealing that new energy sources have historically been added to existing ones, creating a complex web of "symbiosis" rather than outright replacement. This book demonstrates that the absolute consumption of nearly all energy forms, including wood and coal, has increased over time, contrary to the idea of a linear progression.

Fressoz explores how the concept of "energy transition" emerged in the 1970s, often promoted by specific interests, and how this narrative has shaped our understanding of energy challenges, particularly regarding climate change. By deconstructing this historical fallacy, the book exposes the true scale of the task ahead for decarbonization and the inadequacy of past frameworks to address present and future energy dilemmas. It offers a radical re-evaluation of our energy past, compelling readers to confront the actual dynamics of consumption and the profound implications for our environmental future.