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itsneilcochrane's review against another edition
3.0
It’s amazing that a 10-year-old book can still be urgent and relevant, but this one certainly is—it felt like countless articles I’ve read even in the last couple of years about the importance of developing and, more crucially, speedily implementing a global environmental strategy. The argument and information are great, and it’s well-structured. However, the second half especially is bogged down by redundancy, mostly because of a surplus of cameos from environmentalists and industrialists who are quoted at length saying very similar things.
blankcrayon's review against another edition
3.0
Important topic, but the book was very technical. Friedman's cause is noble, but this is not a book that will inspire the masses to action.
swissmunicipal's review against another edition
3.0
I'd give this 3.5 stars - but even that's not quite right. Probably a 2.5 for the quality/type of writing (I didn't really enjoy the writing at all), but a 4 for actual content. It deals with some very real issues that need to be dealt with but that keep being procrastinated. It provides some very creative and interesting solutions that I think have potential!
eroston's review against another edition
Friedman has opened up a whole world of readers for the rest of us.
dcox83's review against another edition
2.0
Thomas Friedman is a really smart NY Times international reporter who knows the global political scene better than anyone else. He is not an expert on power companies or what is needed revolutionize the power industry.
So the half of the book about the world's growing oil addiction (due to the rest of the world wanting to be like the west by owning cars and air conditioners) is shifting the balance of international power away from the United States and towards places like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Nigeria and Sudan is fascinating.
The other half where it's basically Friedman brainstorming on how if only everyone in the world drastically changed their lifestyles to how he thinks they should live then everything would be better.
It's a shame, because the book starts by making the argument for a greener society not to save the planet, but because of the dangerous effects it has on global security, human rights and international politics. He only touches on this idea briefly before entering Friedman fantasy land on how to change lifestyles.
So the half of the book about the world's growing oil addiction (due to the rest of the world wanting to be like the west by owning cars and air conditioners) is shifting the balance of international power away from the United States and towards places like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Nigeria and Sudan is fascinating.
The other half where it's basically Friedman brainstorming on how if only everyone in the world drastically changed their lifestyles to how he thinks they should live then everything would be better.
It's a shame, because the book starts by making the argument for a greener society not to save the planet, but because of the dangerous effects it has on global security, human rights and international politics. He only touches on this idea briefly before entering Friedman fantasy land on how to change lifestyles.
zilfworks's review against another edition
5.0
What really impressed me about this book was the depth. Friedman looks at the environmental crisis from almost every angle imaginable and provides a wealth of information on every single facet. I also thought his previous book, "The World is Flat," was excellent...but this one was even more cohesive and comprehensive. And very readable, too. An impressive feat.
hoperu's review against another edition
4.0
A very clear overview of what it will take for the United States (and the rest of the world) to change our ways and produce an energy revolution. I hope that President-elect Obama at least skims it before he begins making policies.