|  | Author: Thomas L. Friedman
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
List Price: $27.95
Buy Used: $1.94
as of 11/23/2009 07:47 CST details
You Save: $26.01 (93%)
New (114) Used (210) Collectible (21) from $1.94
Seller: AtomicDonkey
Rating:  245 reviews
Sales Rank: 926
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Unknown), English (Published)
Media: Hardcover
Edition: 1
Pages: 448
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.6
Dimensions (in): 9.1 x 5.7 x 1.4
ISBN: 0374166854
Dewey Decimal Number: 320.58
EAN: 9780374166854
ASIN: 0374166854
Publication Date: September 8, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Best available book selected FIR; Best available book selected FIRST! Used items may have varying degrees of wear, highlighting, underlining etc. Fast & reliable delivery.Standard shipping service can take up to 14 days. Exceptional customer service. Refunds available up to 30 days of purchase date with 20% restocking fee.
|
| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 236-240 of 245
 Good Insights! September 9, 2008
Loyd E. Eskildson (Phoenix, AZ.)
21 out of 28 found this review helpful
Global warming, rapidly growing populations, and expansion of the world's middle class through globalization have produced a planet that is "hot, flat, and crowded." It will be too late to fix things in just a few years unless the U.S. steps up now to take the lead in a worldwide effort to replace wasteful, inefficient energy supplies.
Instead, we have put up more walls than ever as we export our fears of terrorism and indulge in petty political fights that postpone fixing even Social Security, Medicare, (jobs lost through free trade - I added that one), our infrastructure, immigration, deficits at all levels and education because we feel invulnerable. It (forecasted problems) won't happen to us because we can just borrow our way to prosperity and/or keep on doing what we've always been doing.
Europe's response to the 1973-74 Arab oil embargo was to raise gas taxes; in addition, France launched a massive investment into nuclear energy (much of their waste is reprocessed and reused). Japan also raised gas taxes and launched a huge drive for energy efficiency. The U.S. raised auto efficiency standards only to have them rolled back under Reagan, who also removed the Carter solar panels from the White House.
In late 2007 the U.S. moved the fuel economy standard to 35 mpg (where Europe and Japan already are), by 2020.
Detroit tells us they were only building what the public wanted (SUVs, light trucks), but "forgets" to tells us about their successful lobbying to hold down the gas tax.
Three Mile Island ended U.S. efforts to build nuclear power.
Deforestation in places like Indonesia and Brazil creates more CO2 than all of transportation. The average cow creates 600 liters of methane/day - 27X the power, but not as long lived, as CO2.
Subsidies in China, India, and the Middle East have helped spike demand for oil. Similarly in the U.S. re agriculture.
Saudi Arabia (Sunni) and Iran (Shiite) contend for leadership in the Islamic world. The more a state can rely on oil riches, the less it is concerned about democracy or developing its people. Also referred to as "Dutch disease" by economists - natural resources create a strong currency that then weakens manufacturing and eventually hollows it out. Strong natural resources also reduces pressure for women to work, become educated, and have rights - men's earnings are enough. Still another similar problem occurred during the Cold War - some states were supported (aka natural resources) because of their value to either the East or West. Result: Bush's failure to push oil conservation has been highly destructive towards other values that he professes.
Russia originally thrived on prison labor and forced labor on collective farms. Eventually even those sources were not enough, but the rise in oil prices per Arab oil embargo revived their economies and allowed expanding their influence. The subsequent fall in oil prices in the 1980s (conservation) and 1985 Saudi Arabian 4X boost in production stopped holding oil prices up and led to the fall of the USSR.
Friedman contends that there is too much debate about Al Gore, instead of focusing on climate change. Friedman also points out that there are too many trivial climate change activities that have little impact, but let people feel they've accomplished something. Major change is required, and quickly.
There are almost 3,200 electric utility companies in the U.S., and surprisingly limited integration between them. In most cases, customer bills do not relate to time of day.
Friedman asserts that the U.S. could create a major new industrial boom through moving quickly on new energy technology. I hope so, but suspect that the Chinese would quickly undercut us on price.
Finally, Friedman rightfully laments how long it takes the U.S. to take action - eg. 11 years to plan and implement a new wind farm in California. Most of the time was taken in mandated studies and approvals. He suggests that we need a brief period of fast-action such as occurs in China.
 Audio edition needs a new reader September 8, 2008
J Duif Calvin
34 out of 48 found this review helpful
The book itself is interesting, but the reader, Wyman, is a poor fit for the subject matter. His voice is glib, enthusiastic in the wrong places, and chooses odd words to accent, the audio equivalent of someone who puts air quotes around everyday words. He might be a very good reader for, say, a comic mystery, but here he simply sets the wrong tone for the topics discussed. Make sure you listen to a sample of the audio before purchasing.
A must read for the modern citizen. September 8, 2008
Robert Busko (Waynesville, NC USA)
29 out of 40 found this review helpful
Thomas L. Friedman's Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need A Green Revolution-and How It Can Renew America is the right book, by the right author, at the right time. Just when it is becoming apparent that the days of petroleum are ending we get a book that can serve as a platform for future discussion on the energy situation and may even form an outline for future action. This is a positive book and is also a realistic one. Readers will appreciate the proof he includes as he makes his points. For example, don't think that the flattening of the population is causing shortages in a variety of materials? How about scrap iron? Manhole covers (p. 65) have been disappearing all over the world. Initially in the Asia, the stealing has reached Chicago and will continue to spread. Copper is the latest in scarce materials that is being stolen.
Whether Friedman is discussing fuels from hell or fuels from heaven, his approach is intelligent, positive and, in my opinion, dead on target. There is opportunity in this crisis for however many people want to and invent our way out of it. Friedman's first law of petropolitics states that "as the price of oil goes up, the pace of freedom goes down". Certainly this isn't going to be a topic of debate among the readers of this book. Can anyone doubt that we have fewer freedoms today than say thirty years ago and that much of that is related to the price we pay for petroleum based products?
Among the many points that Friedman makes is our half-hearted attempts that have been made on behalf of the environment. Certainly "going green" is a popular phrase in the United States today. I know, I saw a bumper sticker on the back of a large Ford SUV a few weeks back announcing "Earth Day." Up to now being environmentally aware didn't require a lot of sacrifice. That, I think Friedman would agree with, is about to change.
As a solar energy advocate for more than 30 years I've often been frustrated by our inability to wean ourselves from not just petroleum, but from all fossil fuels. The federal government has been reluctant for any number of reasons to provide the leadership on this effort, and the private sector, while seemingly the one sector that should see the huge economic pay off of using solar energy where possible has been slow to lead the way. I guess that as long as cheap oil was available many felt that the investment in alternative energy sources just wasn't worth the effort....NO PROFITS. That is going to change.
Thomas L. Friedman's Hot, Flat, and Crowded isn't a book that tries to point the finger at any individual or group. In fact, the book is remarkably problem and solution oriented giving it a certain amount of legitimacy. While it does point up our short falls in the past, it also offers hope for the future.
I highly recommend.
Peace always
This fix is not found here September 8, 2008
William A. Hensler (Holt, Michigan United States)
46 out of 95 found this review helpful
I had some problems with this book. Yes, I'm very worried about the US dependence on foreign oil. America tends to buy its oil from the biggest jerks in the world. However, when any engineer looks at the total capital costs to install a wind turbine and the revenues that turbine generates over a time it's fairly obvious that our present technology can't make a turbine work that's cost effective.
Professor Friedman gives some good arguments for funding alternative power. But if you have had any engineering training then these schemes fall flat. I want these projects to work. I'm worried about energy and the enviorment. But from a pratical point of view these alternative energy plans are mere schemes that will cost time, money, and may accomplish nothing.
Professor Friedman also uses wrong analogies to prove a point. Fact, most aircraft design has not greatly changed since 1969. The term "software" had not even been invented in 1969. Electric power generation technology has not changed greatly since the late 19th Century. How is there going to be a revolution in power technology when it's now mature and the only real innovation could be in super conductors? To compare Google (new software) to Power generation (mature hardware) insults an educated reader.
Still, Friedman writes an interesting and provocative book. I agree with the fact that the world is going to become increasingly crowded. Also, I work with software personnel from India to the Philippines. So, I see the observations of Professor Friedman in real life. The world is indeed becoming more homogenous. It's rather weird that I have more in common with an Indian software engineer than my own High School Friends. Professor Friedman's observations on demographic changes are very correct. When Professor Friedman sticks to demographics he is really good.
I don't agree with his climate change predictions. Why? I think it's more related to solar conditions and since he's not an astro-physicist then his guess is as good as mine.
I give this books two stars. It has some really good parts. However, it could use a little better polish in regards to energy generation. Also, his guess on climate changes are as good as anybody's.
A Doable Win-Win Plan September 8, 2008
Norma Lehmeierhartie (New York, USA)
125 out of 154 found this review helpful
In Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution--and How It Can Renew America, Thomas Friedman presents an irresistible opportunity for Americans--one that can save the planet and increase our wealth.
The world is flat because of globalization--which is good, as ideas and practices can spread effectively. What is not so good is that our world population is exploding and countries like India and China are seeing an increase in wealth and subsequent buying power, which puts more strain on the world's resources and increases global warming.
Friedman begins the book with a discussion of how America has changed post 9/11. He uses the example of the US consulate built in 1882 in Istanbul. The consulate was built in the heart of the city: "it was an easy place for Turks to get a VISA, to peruse the library or to engage with an American diplomat."
Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the building was closed and a nearly impenetrable consulate was built. This all but stopped visitors from visiting. Although the new building does protect against attacks, it isolates Americans and impacts on how we are viewed and how we see ourselves.
Friedman writes that he wrote the book because: "An American living in a defensive crouch cannot fully tap the vast rivers of idealism, innovation, volunteerism, and philanthropy that still flow through our nation. And it cannot play the vital role it has long played for the rest of the world--as a beacon of hope and the country that we can always be counted on to lead the world in response to whatever is the most important challenge of the day."
That challenge is global warming. He proposes we begin a massive project called "code green."
Friedman identifies three broad trends in our society:
1. The post 9/11 building of walls around us to protect Americans from foreigners.
2. Since the 1980's, politicians acting "dumb as we wanna be," meaning we will get to fixing the roads, global warming and other issues when we get around to it. This includes politicians like Bush "protecting us" from gas taxes and other unpleasantries to keep our standard of living, or the fact that we are in war and don't have to make any sacrifices (save the soldier's lives.)
3. Nation building at home. This is the one good trend Friedman sees and he writes about the plethora of innovative, imaginative souls who devote their energy to finding green solutions.
Friedman considers what is now called the green movement to be more like a green party. He cites several "green" books that include the words "easy" or "lazy" in the titles. The authors write books where: "everyone is a winner, nobody gets hurt and nobody has to do anything hard." I have read several of these books and agree--much of the advice is fluff.
However, I do see the recent deluge of books and articles on sustainability as changing the consciousness and buying habits of the country. Many people who begin by making "painless changes" get serious about the environment and one or two of them may be the next inventor of the solar-run car. I also believe that when millions cut down on the use of plastic and other nonrenewable resources, that it does make an environmental difference.
The increase in population and wealth and buying power all tax our already limited supply of petroleum, coal and gas--all substances that cause global warming and pollute our planet. Even if you didn't "believe" in global warming, it is a fact that petroleum--now needed in unprecedented amounts--is rapidly becoming an increasingly difficult product to procure. If you think spending $5.00 a gallon for gas for your car is a hardship, that price will be considered nothing in a few years. Folks, we are running out of time and oil.
Friedman gets that Americans can use the diminishing supply of nonrenewable resources as a means for an economic boom, for bridging the widening gap between Americans and the rest of the world and for drawing us together as a nation. Americans are an innovative and smart bunch of people and we need to get working on devising clean alternatives to fossil fuels. This will create more jobs, strong economic times and raised spirits.
Friedman presents a doable, win-win plan to raise wealth and to save the planet. A must-read.
By the author of the award winning book, HARMONIOUS ENVIRONMENT: BEAUTIFY, DETOXIFY & ENERGIZE YOUR LIFE, YOUR HOME & YOUR PLANET.
Showing reviews 236-240 of 245
|
|
|
