Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution--and How It Can Renew America

by Thomas L. Friedman

book data

1,623 ratings, 3.80 average rating, 566 reviews (more data...)

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published

September 8th 2008 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux

binding

Hardcover, 438 pages

isbn

0374166854 (isbn13: 9780374166854)

description

Thomas L. Friedman's phenomenal number-one bestseller The World is Flat has helped millions of readers to see the world in a new way. In his brillian...more

[close] Thomas L. Friedman's phenomenal number-one bestseller The World is Flat has helped millions of readers to see the world in a new way. In his brilliant, essential new book, Friedman takes a fresh and provocative look at two of the biggest challenges we face today: America's surprising loss of focus and national purpose since 9/11; and the global environmental crisis, which is affecting everything from food to fuel to forests. In this groundbreaking account of where we stand now, he shows us how the solutions to these two big problems are linked--how we can restore the world and revive America at the same time.

Friedman explains how global warming, rapidly growing populations, and the astonishing expansion of the world's middle class through globalization have produced a planet that is "hot, flat, and crowded." Already the earth is being affected in ways that threaten to make it dangerously unstable. In just a few years, it will be too late to fix things--unless the United States steps up now and takes the lead in a worldwide effort to replace our wasteful, inefficient energy practices with a strategy for clean energy, energy efficiency, and conservation that Friedman calls Code Green.

This is a great challenge, Friedman explains, but also a great opportunity, and one that America cannot afford to miss. Not only is American leadership the key to the healing of the earth; it is also our best strategy for the renewal of America.

In vivid, entertaining chapters, Friedman makes it clear that the green revolution we need is like no revolution the world has seen. It will be the biggest innovation project in American history; it will be hard, not easy; and it will change everything from what you put into you car to what you see on your electric bill. But the payoff for America will be more than just cleaner air. It will inspire Americans to something we haven't seen in a long time--nation-building in America--by summoning the intelligence, creativity, boldness, and concern for the common good that are our nation's greatest natural resources.

Hot, Flat, and Crowded is classic Thomas L. Friedman: fearless, incisive, forward-looking, and rich in surprising common sense about the challenge--and the promise--of the future.

Thomas L. Friedman has been awarded the Pulitzer Prize three times for his work with The New York Times, where he serves as the foreign affairs columnist. He is the author of four previous books, all of them best sellers: From Beirut to Jerusalem (1989), The Lexus and the Olive Tree (1999), Longitudes and Attitudes (2002), and The World is Flat (2005). He lives in Bethesda, Maryland.</i>

A discussion guide for Hot, Flat, and Crowded is available at www.fsgbooks.com [close]

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10/11/08

Erik rated it:

Much as Michael Pollan’s In the Defense of Food was a logical sequel to The Omnivore’s Dilemma, this latest current affairs book by Friedman is the logical next-step after reading The World is Flat, Friedman’s last treatise on the nature of a post-industrial world in which brain-power and a better educated populace will define the future of the world. In this passionately articulated follow-up, Friedman details and argues for a green revolution that needs to take hold of America if it hope...more Much as Michael Pollan’s In the Defense of Food was a logical sequel to The Omnivore’s Dilemma, this latest current affairs book by Friedman is the logical next-step after reading The World is Flat, Friedman’s last treatise on the nature of a post-industrial world in which brain-power and a better educated populace will define the future of the world. In this passionately articulated follow-up, Friedman details and argues for a green revolution that needs to take hold of America if it hopes to remain the world’s leader in innovation. He appeals to our sense of pride by stoking our collective ego for being the model of innovation -- rather than admonishing us for our real and imagined ill ways – by vigorously arguing that we can remain number one if we would only put aside short-sighted politics.

Although he is clearly a man that looks at the world with a sense that the glass if half full, one cannot help but think that any denial of man’s impact on the planet – think of VP contender Sarah Palin’s purposeful avoidance of implicating humans as the cause of global warming – will stymie any of the much-needed structural and organizational change that Friedman so passionately argues for. Strategic tax incentives and increased research and development for renewable energy resources that don’t produce CO2, heightened consumer and civic awareness of our dilemma, and well as a more rigorous change in our consumption habits are on his menu of must-dos.

Although his detailed explanations can be long-winded – if he were a politician, fact-checkers would have field-day with his plethora of information -- his ardent and urgent call to action is much needed in this time of shallow “green awareness”. You know what I mean: the increasingly ridiculous commodification of everything labeled “green” so that you can’t tell a phony from the real-deal. As Friedman argues, it will take more than some belt-tightening, but rather some major cognitive dissonance and economic overhaul if we in the industrialized world are to batten down the hatches (so to speak) and fundamentally change our politics so that our economy can change and grow. Which is also saying a lot considering the dismal state our country is in right now. (Can it get any worse? I certainly hope not.)

Even though I would normally feel that much of what Friedman posits would be ignored by the administration that we’ve been putting up with during these last eight years, it’s encouraging to know that he has an ally with the Democratic candidate for the Presidency, Barack Obama. Yes, things can change. And likely will, if current poll trends hold.
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12/17/08

Hannah rated it:

Read in December, 2008

http://www.nypress.com/article-19285-how...

I'm not sure I've ever read a more redundant author. Although Friedman has some great things to say, it's buried under some not-so-great writing. I haven't read his other books, but I think Friedman does better under the limits of newspaper columns: out of the book's 400+ pages, approximately half of those are simply to restate what he said before.
His pop-y, Wiki-citing style is not exactly my thing, either, and the book feels precar...more

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10/19/08

Ray rated it:

(review of isbn 1427204586)

Read in October, 2008

recommends it for: concerned citizens

Not a quick read to take to the beach on a summer afternoon, but the topic and ideas presented are too important to ignore. People sometimes quickly dismiss books about environmental issues, assuming it will lead to the condemning of science, technology, and societal advances, instead proposing a regression toward a simpler 1800's style lifestyle. What makes the book different to me is that Friedman has researched and described solutions which exist, have been proven, make both environmental a...more

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10/22/08

Ian rated it:

bookshelves: non-fiction, own

I haven't finished this book, but I feel like there are a few examples that if I don't get down, I will forget, and they illustrate how I feel about this book well.

First off, I'd like to mention that if this was a fiction book, it would get one star. Having recently ventured into the nonfiction category more and more, and having been so pleased with Naomi Klein, Noam Chomsky, and Bob Woodward, I took a recommendation and bought this hefty little bugger.

What I wasn't expec...more I haven't finished this book, but I feel like there are a few examples that if I don't get down, I will forget, and they illustrate how I feel about this book well.

First off, I'd like to mention that if this was a fiction book, it would get one star. Having recently ventured into the nonfiction category more and more, and having been so pleased with Naomi Klein, Noam Chomsky, and Bob Woodward, I took a recommendation and bought this hefty little bugger.

What I wasn't expecting is that the style would make a big difference. Like I mentioned, if this was fiction, it would get one star—but as a nonfiction book, at least the information is good. The problem is that Friedman's writing style is so repetitive, boastfully clever, and patronizing, that it's really hard to read.

A couple of quick examples:

"'Green is not simply a new form of generating electric power,' added Rothkopf. 'It is a new form of generating national power—period.'

"Let me repeat that: Green is not simply a new form of generating electric power. It is a new form of generating national power—period."

Now, repetition can be useful in song lyrics and poetry, but even then there's often at least some form of distance between repetitions or a variation. This just made my eyes immediately glaze over. What makes you think I didn't get it the first time?

This sort of patronizing tone is repeated again and again, most notably when he quotes a report on cow's flatulence and belching causing methane build-up. His quote includes helpful brackets after the word "regurgitate[spit-up:]". Now, I know some people aren't college educated. But I really think anyone reading this book is going to already know what regurgitate means.

The other major problem I had was that he really seems to think his clever little turns of phrase are so great that he can use them again and again and again until you want to bash your own face in with a hammer. The name of the book is "Hot, Flat, and Crowded," referring to rising temperature, globalizations of markets, and overpopulation. But whenever he makes a reference to globalization, he feels like he has to say "flattening". It sounds stupid. I'm glad you have a clever title, Tom, but that doesn't mean you have to write in newspeak.

I guess I'll update this once I finish it. Like I said, the info is good, I just find his style personally offensive.(less)

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09/19/08

brian tanabe rated it:

Read in March, 2009

I thought I would have questions about a journalist's ability to effectively write on the subject of sustainability (given that he cut his teeth on the Middle East) -- but that presupposition proved false. I thought perhaps Friedman's attempt would get bogged down by anecdote, too encumbered with trying to prove his point -- but here too he did not fail. And yet in the end I fear the warning bell he wishes to ring will not be heard by enough... or rather will not move enough of us, create enough...more

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12/02/08

... marked it as to-read

bookshelves: to-read

recommends it for: A metronome

Hey look everyone! Thomas L. Friedman thinks the world is flat! And overpopulated! And environmentally unsustainable! Betcha didn't know that!

I remember when I used to read Tommy's columns and think this guy knew what he was talking about. Now I think he would be better off chasing a cartoon mouse around the Middle East with a scimitar and a turban until he perishes from a falling anvil.

Maybe his next book "The World is Hot, Flat, Crowded, and Tastes Like Chicken"...more

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11/24/08

Darrick rated it:

bookshelves: 2008, audio

Read in December, 2008

In two words; we're screwed.

I had a feeling this was the case but this book really paints a vivid picture of our screw'dness. According to Friedman all the stars really need to align, and fast, in order for us (humans) to reverse global warming and not go extinct. Here's what needs to happen:

1.) The US needs to get our heads out of our pants and start pumping tons of money (both private and public) into green energy.

2.) The US needs to enstate a gas floor so...more

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10/27/08

Kristianne rated it:

Read in October, 2008

With over half of the book dedicated to “How We Move Forward,” we want to believe Thomas Friedman’s newest meta-analysis of the modern world will finally offer up the illusive key to solving the global climate and energy crisis.
Friedman’s vision opposes the fatalism of Huxley and Orwell, insisting that the answer to our predicament is technological innovation. He believes change is possible and should be embraced as a political and economic public relations tactic. This is our oppo...more

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11/17/08

Marit rated it:

bookshelves: non-fiction

If you know a fair amount already about the current ecological/environmental situation of our world, I recommend skimming if not skipping the entire first half of the book. As for the second half, Friedman has good points about how to change policy, encourage technology, etc. to solve our problems. However, my biggest issue with this book is how talky it was. 100 pages easily could have been trimmed off the four-hundred pages. Friedman likes examples and anectdotes, LOTS of them. I often found t...more

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12/17/08

Leland rated it:

bookshelves: 2009-reads, economics, environment

Read in February, 2009

An intriguing book. An important book. Unfortunately, there is a tone to Friedman's writing which I find preachy and slightly condescending, but there is indeed a great deal of very good information in the book which should be absorbed. Anyone who finds President Obama's views on climate change, economic revitalization, and the possible peril facing us in the near future should humanity fail to address our impact on the planet will find there is a great deal of very specific and pointed content ...more

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09/15/08

Janille rated it:

A very intersting read by Thomas Freidman. We always enjoy reading his op-eds and other publications, because he writes so well, even if we may disagree with some of his premises and arguements.

He addresses "energy crisis" concepts of course, and is definately a champion of living "green" as it were, which I think as far as our personal stewardship of the Earth is a pretty darn smart thing. He shares some interesting correlations between the global oil trade a...more

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10/15/08

Cheri rated it:

bookshelves: science

Read in October, 2008

recommends it for: Anyone who cares about America's Economy

Every time I hear Thomas Friedman speak, I feel energized and excited. He always has an interesting take on innovation and change, and something of a positive attitude, while never resembling a Dr. Pangloss.
Friedman advocates America dedicating itself to solving environmental problems not just for reasons of stewardship or global warming, but because he fervently believes that environmental innovation can renew the American economy and it's standing in the world. It is a reasonable hyp...more

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12/01/08

Sara is currently reading it

bookshelves: currently-reading

I've been reading this since mid-October. Like many current-event nonfiction, I find that it makes me think so much that I become a very slow reader.

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03/17/09

Catherine rated it:

Read in December, 2008

I've always liked Thomas Friedman's articles in the New York Times, and I loved his last two books, The Lexus and the Olive Tree, and The World is Flat. This book, if anything, covers even more, and more urgently if a little less optimistically than the last two. Its a very thoughtful and yet panoramic view of how climate and energy use are linked, and the implications for education, investment, jobs, and the economy now and in the future.

One of the most compelling chapters was on En...more I've always liked Thomas Friedman's articles in the New York Times, and I loved his last two books, The Lexus and the Olive Tree, and The World is Flat. This book, if anything, covers even more, and more urgently if a little less optimistically than the last two. Its a very thoughtful and yet panoramic view of how climate and energy use are linked, and the implications for education, investment, jobs, and the economy now and in the future.

One of the most compelling chapters was on Energy Poverty, the lack of electricity available in Africa and how it impacts kids trying to do their homework, adults trying to get jobs or business trying to persist. A whole continent without electricity in this day and age is a huge detriment, and will only make matters worse and worse in a vicious cycle as these people fall farther behind the rest of the world.

Another fascinating chapter was A Million Noahs, A Million Arks, about the importance of essentially community organizers who are also biodiversity experts who save their little corner of the world by letting the community see how their own survival depends on it.

The Energy-Climate Era, which began in the year 2000 is upon us, and Friedman's view is that this is a make or break pivotal moment in time, and if we don't succeed in meeting the challenge of reducing CO2 loads in the atmosphere quickly by using clean energy sources, there won't be a future economy, or a future mankind, to worry about. His main contention is that everybody doing their little part is no where near enough. Government has to set a price signal on oil that will provide incentives for a quick and massive transition to alternative energy sources.

He sounds optimistic in that he believes it can be done, but sober in that its going to take big actions by big government now to do it. He provides many angles of vision on this problem, as he always does, in a very entertaining, interesting and absorbing way, so I highly recommend the book, especially for those who think we may be able to work our way out of this recession with green jobs. That won't happen without some major policy shifts at the highest levels of our government.

One happy note: as the price of oil decreases, the past would indicate that freedom and democracy in petrodictatorships increases. One can hope for that at least.

I was just reading all the things Barbara Boxer wants to do to save and create jobs. It reminded me of one of the things that Thomas Friedman recommends for the same purpose--effectively making mandatory PG&E's approach for all US utilities, including uniform requirements to place a premium on conservation and alternative energy feed-in (like requiring that a utility accept solar power energy from your home). Our friend Ron Hamilton works for a company that contracts with PG&E to insulate and in other ways save energy for homes and businesses, and PG&E pays them to do that because they are in turn paid or allowed to retain profits by the Public Utility Commission here for conservation efforts. His explanation of how utilities currently work in most cases shows why Californians energy use is so much more efficient than that of any other state. I just assumed every utility company was like PG&E, but evidently not. This is why Obama and others are saying that they can create green jobs and at the same time promote conservation and green energy. Unfortunately, that particular strategy won't have a big impact on California because we're pretty far ahead of most other places.
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03/08/09

George rated it:

I recently read Thomas Friedman’s “The World is Flat” and enjoyed it. In this next book of his, he says that in looking to the future he sees a world that will not only be flat, but also hot and crowded. He focuses on five key problems that he says we are facing now, or will face in the near future, if we do not immediately take steps to reverse the trend. (1.) The growing demand for ever scarcer energy supplies and natural resources; (2.) A massive transfer of wealth to oil-rich countr...more

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02/22/09

fbuser1083129334 rated it:

Read in February, 2009

recommends it for: anyone

Anyone interested in the current mess we're in w/ regards to energy independence, global warming, and the international economic situation - and what we can do about it - ought to read this book.

Friedman's basic premise is the world is becoming increasingly hot (global warming), flat (his term for the rise of middle classes in places like China bought about by a leveling of the playing field in the international economy), and crowded (more and more people).

The combi...more

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02/05/09

Bookmarks Magazine added it

It's hard not to admire Thomas Friedman's reporting, even if it sometimes feels like a sales pitch. That's why those who agree with Friedman's analysis were excited about this book: it may not be the best volume available on the subject, but it will encourage millions of people to think about the central role climate change should play in the national discourse. But Bj��orn Lomborg, author of Cool It: The Skeptical Environmentalist's Guide to Global Warming, wrote that Friedman exaggerates t

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05/21/09

Cheryl rated it:

Read in May, 2009

Over all, a great book. I'm already hearing about things that are happening that were mentioned in this book.

Interesting: When he gave energy examples, Colorado played a major part.

Interesting: Here is someone who seriously pursues fixes and options in all directions and disciplines.

Interesting: Lead by taxing. This ties into the battles to keep the legislated mph low for as long as possible.

Interesting: Throw in some international political ...more Over all, a great book. I'm already hearing about things that are happening that were mentioned in this book.

Interesting: When he gave energy examples, Colorado played a major part.

Interesting: Here is someone who seriously pursues fixes and options in all directions and disciplines.

Interesting: Lead by taxing. This ties into the battles to keep the legislated mph low for as long as possible.

Interesting: Throw in some international political economy and history.

Interesting: He's very much a people person. What can I do individually to make a difference? Can a group of us do something better?

What I didn't like: He throws names and passes judgments on people who had not been convinced of the argument. To me, that just points to those presenting the argument as not presenting strong enough support for their point of view. There is discussion about villifying evil car manufacturers. I'm sorry, but people should be allowed a different point of view.

Now, saying that, what makes me sure of the world heating which was caused by greenhouse gasses? It wouldn't be what was presented here. I believe the best argument would come from groups supported by NASA satelite data, beefed up by analysis of statistical norms. It wouldn't be Al Gore's trip around the world to draw attention to the problems. Yes, he won a Noble Prize. That was salesmanship. His data has been pointed out as flawed. I don't disagree that it was overall a good thing, but he isn't the messiah.

Please note: I am pro clean air, pro clean water, concerned about growing population using up our still abundant resources. I want better mileage. I want solar water heating and energy generation. Heck, at a previous home I had the solar water heating and couldn't say enough good things about it. I am concerned about the Chinese. I've seen Beijing polluted. It's not a pretty picture. I feel the carbon taxing is a very strange solution which just might work. I'm not sure I'm for "it" completely. I think there are real concerns when the Chinese and India aren't held to the the same high standards, and yet this is where you find a lot of the world's population. I disagree with passing guilt to Americans. Bad Americans! What have you done to make the world better? Give me a break. How do you suppose we've been the hegemon? Do we need to stay a hegemon? No, others need to jump in and lead, too. We have led technological Eureka moments. We bailed out many countries after WWII. We've participated if not led the way in world trade. We've promoted individuals' rights here at home and solved some of our own problems.

So, Mr. Friedman, back off on the idea that yours is the only moral way to do things. That is beneath your obviously well-thought ideas.

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05/13/09

King rated it:

Im ambivalent when it comes to this books approach to China. Its depiction of China's economic growth as a problem can be seen as inflammatory. Its makes it understandable that the developing countries would see the green movement as Western propaganda, aimed to circumvent their progress. Ironically, it would seem China's government is already ahead of the curve when it comes to green policies. As Friedman himself points out. it's 11th 5 year plan includes a 20 percent reduction of energy consum...more

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04/20/09

getAbstract rated it:

(review of isbn 184614129X)

Read in April, 2009

Friedman explains global warming

On the whole, this book resembles a televangelist’s Sunday morning sermon. It is full of passion, action and emotion. The “preacher,” The New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman, exhorts a congregation of true believers with a rousing endorsement of their shared faith, hitting all the familiar themes, stories and touchstones, plus a heartfelt environmental alert. Even for nonbelievers, the spectacle is impressive. Friedman is a skilled coine...more

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Which book would you like to read in March?

It's Easy Being Green A Handbook for Earth-Friendly Living

4 votes, 28.6%

The Complete Guide to Climate Change

1 vote, 7.1%

The Travels of a T-Shirt in the Global Economy An Economist Examines the Markets, Power, and Politics of World Trade

4 votes, 28.6%

Hot, Flat, and Crowded Why We Need a Green Revolution--and How It Can Renew America

5 votes, 35.7%

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"So what am I? I guess I would call myself a sober optimist...If you are not sober about the scale of the challenge, then you are not paying attention. But if you are not an optimist, you have no chance of generating the kind of mass movement needed to achieve the needed scale." More quotes...