Book description
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER "A new masterpiece from one of my favorite authors... [How The World Really Works] is a compelling and highly readable book that leaves readers with the fundamental grounding needed to help solve the world's toughest challenges."--Bill Gates "Provocative but perceptive . . . You can agree or disagree with Smil--accept or doubt his 'just the facts' posture--but you probably shouldn't ignore him."--The Washington Post An essential analysis of the modern science and technology that makes our twenty-first century lives possible--a scientist's investigation into what science really does, and does not, accomplish. We have never had so much information at our fingertips and yet most of us don't know how the world really works. This book explains seven of the most fundamental realities governing our survival and prosperity. From energy and food production, through our material world and its globalization, to risks, our environment and its future, How the World Really Works offers a much-needed reality check--because before we can tackle problems effectively, we must understand the facts. In this ambitious and thought-provoking book we see, for example, that globalization isn't inevitable--the foolishness of allowing 70 per cent of the world's rubber gloves to be made in just one factory became glaringly obvious in 2020--and that our societies have been steadily increasing their dependence on fossil fuels, such that any promises of decarbonization by 2050 are a fairy tale. For example, each greenhouse-grown supermarket-bought tomato has the equivalent of five tablespoons of diesel embedded in its production, and we have no way of producing steel, cement or plastics at required scales without huge carbon emissions. Ultimately, Smil answers the most profound question of our age: are we irrevocably doomed or is a brighter utopia ahead? Compelling, data-rich and revisionist, this wonderfully broad, interdisciplinary guide finds faults with both extremes. Looking at the world through this quantitative lens reveals hidden truths that change the way we see our past, present and uncertain future.
Badger the Burglar
The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features make it easy to keep my content at my fingertips. ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have! Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and this one stands out for its professional quality. The narrator struck the ideal balance between dramatic interpretation and letting the text speak for itself. The audio engineering was superb with consistent volume levels and crystal-clear recording.
Roller Girl
π Unlocking the door to imagination β this app is my key to endless stories and endless possibilities. ππ π§ Elevating my reading experience β this app's intuitive controls and organization features make audiobook enjoyment effortless. π±π ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening. ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Skylark
I'm addicted to the personalized recommendations β it's like the app knows me! I can't get enough of ListenBook's silky-smooth playback and intuitive design. It's my go-to app for both leisurely listening and study sessions. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are fantastic features.
Freesia
This app's convenience has revolutionized the way I experience books. Audiobook excellence simplified β this app's functionality is a true delight. With ListenBook, I can finally enjoy my audiobooks without worrying about format compatibility. It handles everything!
New York Sixlet
Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. I'm amazed by ListenBook's versatility in handling different formats β it truly supports all my audio needs. π Grooving to the rhythm of stories while tackling household chores β a dance of productivity! πΆπ The ability to download audio directly within the app is a lifesaver. ListenBook is incredibly convenient.
Sienna Princess
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks. Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks! ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
ByteBard
I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fascinating way to add a personal touch to my audiobook journey. Looping playback helps me revise and memorize complex topics effectively. A study essential! The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Pluto
I'm so grateful for this app β it's like having a personal storyteller wherever I go. Mastering audiobook navigation β this app's ease of use is commendable. The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences. Noise reduction and voice tone changing are brilliant features. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Mr. Alien
With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks and this narrator is now in my top 5. Their timing and inflection were masterful. Never a dull moment in the entire performance. Listened to this on a road trip and it made the hours fly by. Even my passengers who weren't following along commented on how nice the narrator's voice was.
Winter Bite
π Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner β this app adds flavor to every meal! π²π Listened to this on a road trip and it made the hours fly by. Even my passengers who weren't following along commented on how nice the narrator's voice was.
Firedog
ListenBook's intuitive layout and quick access to chapters make audiobook navigation a breeze. Navigating chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and seamless experience. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. Iβll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
Nacho
The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. Thanks to ListenBook, I've rediscovered the joy of exploring my favorite content on multiple devices. The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver. Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend!
Trixie
ListenBook's user-friendly design and compatibility with different formats have made it my go-to app. Listening statistics are a great motivator. Love this feature!
Miss Lucky
ListenBook's sleek interface and precise controls make it a joy to use during my daily listening sessions. I love that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats, making my library diverse. The range of audio formats supported is incredible. No need to worry about file conversion. ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an indispensable part of my routine. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
General Broomdog
The customer support team is responsive and always ready to assist. ListenBook has made me fall in love with my audio content all over again β it's a must-have.
Toy Dogwatch
Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Twinkle Cocoa
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my daily activities more seamless and convenient. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my daily routines more enriching and rewarding. Savoring captivating stories has become a breeze with this app's sleek design and convenient features. It's like having a personal reading assistant! π±π ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my recordings sound clearer than ever.
Trash Pocky
ListenBook has given me a renewed appreciation for audio content β it's my new favorite app. π± Carrying my favorite stories with me wherever I go β this app is like a portable library in my pocket. ππ The audiobook player's silky-smooth playback is like music to my ears. Flawless performance! I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. A perfectly acceptable audiobook that fulfilled its purpose. The narration was competent if not particularly memorable, and the production quality was standard for the genre. It served as decent background entertainment during mundane tasks.
Crash Enforcer
Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is a true marvel. Looping playback helps me retain knowledge from audiobooks effectively. It's an invaluable tool. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend! A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
SunVolt
This app is a must-have for any book lover on the go β it's my daily companion. Audiobook immersion without fuss β this app's ease of use is commendable. The range of audio formats supported is incredible. No need to worry about file conversion.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience