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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
challenging
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Comprehensive discussion and researched concepts detailed at length. Unfortunate conclusions implying necessary unwelcome options.
"I have sought the means of proving otherwise, not least because it would make my task of persuading people to adopt the proposals in this book much easier. But it has become plain to me that long-distance travel, high speed and the curtaiment of climate change are not compatible. If you fly, you destry other people's lives." Chapter 9 Love Miles.- Enjoyed most the last chapters.
"I have sought the means of proving otherwise, not least because it would make my task of persuading people to adopt the proposals in this book much easier. But it has become plain to me that long-distance travel, high speed and the curtaiment of climate change are not compatible. If you fly, you destry other people's lives." Chapter 9 Love Miles.- Enjoyed most the last chapters.
We are 16 years down the path since this book was written yet most recommendations haven’t been implemented yet and we needed to reduce our carbon output by 90% back then just to avoid total collapse. Enjoy the world while it’s still here.
The beginning is a rather scary description of all that is going wrong with our climate, and the future disastrous impacts. However, all the following chapters are very interesting reviews of possible ways we can reduce current emission levels by 90% in areas of housing, transportation, and consumption. Bring on the bus transportation, passive houses, and online shopping!
Following the dismissal attempts by the world's politicians to reach some kind of agreement at last year's (2009) climate change summit, this book makes very interesting reading. Not only does Monbiot address what needs to be done on a global scale to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere below 450ppm (parts per million), which is the level needed to prevent run away global warming and a unmitigated ecological and global disaster, he also addresses why governments are so slow to actually take action (if they do at all).
Monbiot has provided an objective look at each of the main sectors that contribute to carbon emissions and how these can changed through technology and changes in usage (including individually) to reduce emissions. The only problem with many of his suggests, as he happily (or should I say un-happily) admits himself, is that many of his suggests needs politicians to make changes that neither we nor big business will particularly enjoy or be happy about, which lets face it is not something politicians are ever likely to do. This book should have been compulsory reading at that failed climate summit, and had it have been the outcome could've have been very different. Let's hope they find it in time for the next one.
Monbiot has provided an objective look at each of the main sectors that contribute to carbon emissions and how these can changed through technology and changes in usage (including individually) to reduce emissions. The only problem with many of his suggests, as he happily (or should I say un-happily) admits himself, is that many of his suggests needs politicians to make changes that neither we nor big business will particularly enjoy or be happy about, which lets face it is not something politicians are ever likely to do. This book should have been compulsory reading at that failed climate summit, and had it have been the outcome could've have been very different. Let's hope they find it in time for the next one.
Every single human being must read this book, if for no other reason than it's a stunning example of how to think about the entirety of an issue. Of course, there are more reasons than that, not the least of which is that Monbiot paints a picture of how humanity might innovate to right its climate-related wrongs. Go. read. it. now.
*My favourite quotes at the end (they include spoilers)*
This book became more interesting as it progressed.
Although this Heat was not written yesterday, George Monbiot writes a superb summary about a variety of human and environmental factors that cause and are impacted by climate change.
Slight limitation: it was mostly written from a UK perspective, of course I do understand that the climate crisis extends so wide it is nearly impossible to grasp all aspects into one readable book. But I do believe that Monbiot does the cause justice and I recommend this book to everyone.
QUOTES (as a conclusion to the evidence-based scientific chapters)
"I have sought to demonstrate that the necessary reduction in carbon emissions is - if difficult - technically and economically possible. I have not demonstrated that it is politically possible. There is a reason for this. It is not up to me to do so. It is up to you" (p. 212)
"But by itself [...] writing, reading, debate and dissent change nothing. They are of value only if they inspire action. Action means moving your legs" (p. 214)
This book became more interesting as it progressed.
Although this Heat was not written yesterday, George Monbiot writes a superb summary about a variety of human and environmental factors that cause and are impacted by climate change.
Slight limitation: it was mostly written from a UK perspective, of course I do understand that the climate crisis extends so wide it is nearly impossible to grasp all aspects into one readable book. But I do believe that Monbiot does the cause justice and I recommend this book to everyone.
QUOTES (as a conclusion to the evidence-based scientific chapters)
"I have sought to demonstrate that the necessary reduction in carbon emissions is - if difficult - technically and economically possible. I have not demonstrated that it is politically possible. There is a reason for this. It is not up to me to do so. It is up to you" (p. 212)
"But by itself [...] writing, reading, debate and dissent change nothing. They are of value only if they inspire action. Action means moving your legs" (p. 214)