New book takes a look at the precariousness of our electric system

by The Madeleine Brand Show

36996 full — Maggie Koerth-Baker's new book on how to tackle the energy crisis.

Sunday is Earth Day, so expect to hear a lot about planting trees, recycling, and the myriad ways you can be cutting down your carbon foot print. And of course, people will bring up the idea of switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy, like wind or solar.

But in her new book, Maggie Koerth-Baker argues that before we change how we get our energy, we need to change how we distribute that energy.

The book is called "Before The Lights Go Out: Conquering the Energy Crisis Before it Conquers Us."

Guest:

Maggie Koerth-Baker is science editor for the blog BoingBoing.net

About The Madeleine Brand Show

The Madeleine Brand Show, exclusively on 89.3 KPCC, 89.1 KUOR and 90.3 KVLA, captures the spirit of the West in a conversational, informal, witty style and examines the cultural issues people are buzzing about. Hosted by Madeleine Brand, and produced by Kristen Muller, Steve Proffitt and Sanden Totten, the show includes regular segments like Weird L.A. - highlighting a person, place or thing that you've never heard about, but probably should; Parenting on the Edge - a weekly discussion on the challenges and pitfalls of raising kids; as well as regular contributors like Luke Burbank, Rico Gagliano, Brendan Newnam and John Moe to help dissect culture, technology and business news.