an American geologist known for his sweeping, integrative analysis of the role of energy in society. He was interested not only in empirical modeling of resource supply systems, but also in broader social issues associated with energy use, resource depletion, and environmental degradation. Cook’s book Man, Energy, and Society (1976) stands as one of the most complete books on the subject. Cook is concerned with the dangers associated with the apparent incompatibility of our society’s fervent, almost religious devotion to economic growth, and the fact that such growth was dependent upon a finite, nonrenewable stock of fossil fuel. Cook argued that industrial society, and the U.S. in particular, is faced with a recourse watershed unparalleled in history. With the quality of fossil fuels rapidly diminishing, industrial society has two options. The “progress” option, as described by Cook, is to continue believing that omnipotent technological change and so-called economic laws will rescue us from any resource-related problems. The “prudence” option is to adjust our values and lifestyles commensurate with energy and resource realities.