Heat: How to Stop the Planet From Burning marks an important moment in our civilization’s thinking about global warming. The question is no l...
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Aug 06, 2011
Ron
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Quite probably the most important book currently on the market. Only a few crackpots refuse to accept that global warming is happening, but it seems as though many who consider themselves environmentalists still refuse to believe that once a tipping point is reached, global catastrophe will occur. Monbiot illustrates these scenarios with accurate science and none of the histrionics of certain films, and he even takes the bold step of calling people to task for flying, an activity that seems inno
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Dec 16, 2009
Edward
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Monbiot argues emissions must be reduced 90% by 2030 and shows how we can do it in several areas. Well written with passion and humor. Cement was a surprise. A ton of CO2 for a ton of cement cured. Who knew? Air travel was the only category with no constructive suggestions. He gets at the core of the matter for those of us using more than our share-- we need to learn to adapt voluntarily.
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Jan 10, 2011
One of Cambridge Sustainability's Top 50 Books for Sustainability, as voted for by our alumni network of over 3,000 senior leaders from around the world. To find out more, click here.
Heat begins by making a powerful and compelling case that climate change is a threat to be taken extrememly seriously and is caused by human-made emissions. Exacerbating the problem is what Monbiot calls the 'denial industry': an active campaign of dissuasion by certain sectors of business, wealthy class More...
Heat begins by making a powerful and compelling case that climate change is a threat to be taken extrememly seriously and is caused by human-made emissions. Exacerbating the problem is what Monbiot calls the 'denial industry': an active campaign of dissuasion by certain sectors of business, wealthy class More...
Aug 13, 2007
Betsy
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This is an essential book for anyone who cares about the planet and social justice... so that should be everyone.
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Aug 11, 2011
Glyn
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Rating: 8.5/10. Probably the most important book I'll read this year. Global warming is a fact!! He's English and approaches the topic from that perspective but his approach to solving the problems of global warming are universal. And guess what folks? You're not going to have to reduce by 10% or 20% or even 50%. Nope. All of us have to reduce by 90% and pretty damn soon or else the shit hits the fan. I've got news for you, George. Na-ga-ha!! To Monbiot's credit, he actually tr
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Jun 28, 2009
Rob
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Monbiot on top form, and really quite worrying predictions about the lack of political will to tackle climate change. Monbiot is exhaustive in his pursuit of seeking solutions to reduce carbon emissions by 90% by 2030. And frankly, we're not going to make it. The section on nuclear power was surprising, as was the analysis on coal and 'carbon capture' technologies. My favourites though were his prescriptions for the transport sector. The notion of using Storkey's coach network was inspired,
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Apr 20, 2010
Sam
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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
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Oct 22, 2010
Angela
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Monbiot examines the different ways in which we might reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 90% in a economically practical way. He admits from the beginning that it will not be easy, but states that if we begin immediately, reducing carbon emissions to a level that will "stop the planet from burning" is possible. Monbiot seems to a have masterful handle on the science, which actually made it difficult for me to read since I am not a science minded person. However, I understood enough
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Jul 17, 2011
Sophie Jane
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Wow! This book is filled with so much awesomeness I'm having difficulty deciding how describe it.
Alright, well this is a book that promises the solution to climate-change, by the wicked George Monbiot. In a world where environmentalists are continually faced with depressing statistics and few real solutions, this seemed like an intriguing prospect, and I was not disappointed.
The things I liked most about the book are:
* The facts - The reason I found this book so use
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Dec 13, 2009
Jeff
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We've got to do something about global warming. This book outlines the high carbon producing sectors of our daily lives, from industry, transportation, farming, and the costs associated with cutting CO2 emissions by 90%.
The author calls for improved home insulation/heating systems, an end to air travel, more local and seasonal farming, "carbon rationing", wind power generation, more mass transport and carbon sequestration.
The final technology has been proven in More...
The author calls for improved home insulation/heating systems, an end to air travel, more local and seasonal farming, "carbon rationing", wind power generation, more mass transport and carbon sequestration.
The final technology has been proven in More...
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Aug 30, 2008
Bruce
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This book starts with a simple premise. Since a two degree centigrade increase in global temperatures by 2030 will have devastating effects on the climate, the world has to reduce it's carbon footprint drastically; and Britain's fair share in this regard is a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The rest of the book is an exercise in seeing if there is any way for Britain to do this and still maintain a modern economy. Monbiot writes clearly. The arguments are laid out well with lots o
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Aug 10, 2008
Barry
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Monbiot is an evangelist and this is sermon on the evils of climate change. That may sound off putting, but it isn't. Really. This is one earnest message that engages the reader. I read this shortly after seeing An Inconvenient Truth, and this book backs up the documentary with a few more persuasive stats.
Monbiot writes a column for the Guardian; he's well-versed at sounding the alarm. His approach is comprehensive and well-researched. It's also a bit naïve because he often tri More...
Monbiot writes a column for the Guardian; he's well-versed at sounding the alarm. His approach is comprehensive and well-researched. It's also a bit naïve because he often tri More...
Jan 29, 2012
Ramorx
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How many light bulbs do we need to change in order to save the planet? None, points out Monbiot, so its too late, we're doomed! Unless we reduce carbon emissions by 90% by 2030 which is of course completely unthinkable. The US war machine will probably still be on overdrive all over Mesopotamia in 2030. George positions himself as a somewhat fanciful alchemist coming up with lots of totally implausible measures - like no more flying - to put a break on global warming. There are a few good diehar
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Oct 24, 2007
Matthew
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Upon finishing George Monbiot's Heat, I am reminded by what a public affairs executive at the Singapore office of an oil major whispered over at a conference: that the debate on global warming seems confusing because it involves so many issues. What do you think we can do? he said.
For a start, read Monbiot's book. Not because Heat will answer questions, or make them simpler, but it will help frame the issues.
Actually, global warming is easy to understand - the world is gettin More...
For a start, read Monbiot's book. Not because Heat will answer questions, or make them simpler, but it will help frame the issues.
Actually, global warming is easy to understand - the world is gettin More...
May 20, 2008
Shannon
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With Heat, George Monbiot has moved past the obfuscating arguments being slung like mud back and forth across the globe, and faces not just the alarming truth of global warming but the seemingly impossible task of actually doing something about it.
This book is, as he points out in the introduction, a manifesto. It is a plan of action. The goal is to cut our carbon dioxide emissions by 90% by 2030. This is the "seemingly impossible" aspect, especially when you look at Canada More...
This book is, as he points out in the introduction, a manifesto. It is a plan of action. The goal is to cut our carbon dioxide emissions by 90% by 2030. This is the "seemingly impossible" aspect, especially when you look at Canada More...
Sep 22, 2007
Franco
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Making the choice
After reading on the internet a number of unsatisfactory articles about climate change, I decided to read a good book on this essential topic. I compared them basing my choice on the information I could find about the three books I’d been proposed, and on the need to verify some of my opinions: first, the opinion I had since thirty years ago that the industrial revolution has an important negative effect on climate - this lead me to easily trust those who fifteen years lat More...
After reading on the internet a number of unsatisfactory articles about climate change, I decided to read a good book on this essential topic. I compared them basing my choice on the information I could find about the three books I’d been proposed, and on the need to verify some of my opinions: first, the opinion I had since thirty years ago that the industrial revolution has an important negative effect on climate - this lead me to easily trust those who fifteen years lat More...
Jul 27, 2011
Marc
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I love this guy's columns in The Guardian, so I had to see what he had to say about climate change and what he thinks is necessary to avoid dire consequences. His solutions are sobering, yet achievable: they include: "rationing" carbon consumption so every individual is allowed the same amount of emissions, and an almost complete ban on air travel. He skewers the practice of carbon offsetting for the scam it really is. An excellent investigative reporter with a strong sense of socia
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Nov 19, 2009
Peter
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Jun 12, 2009
If this doesn't scare you, you are impervious. Monbiot outlines a possible plan for cutting carbon emissions by 90% by 2030. Rigorously researched and costed there is a wealth of info to consider. Tidal power, passiv houses from Germany, the cement industry. It's a clarion call for people to get off their arses.
Feb 03, 2009
Elizabeth
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If you are planning on reading Hot, Flat, and Crowded - skip it and read this instead. If you have already read Hot, Flat, and Crowded, you should really read this as well...
Best book I've read on the topic of climate change and what we should be doing about it. Best because it is *thoroughly* researched. The footnotes and end notes and references and data are well documented. The author makes every effort to look at the topic objectively. And some conclusions are rather surprising. More...
Best book I've read on the topic of climate change and what we should be doing about it. Best because it is *thoroughly* researched. The footnotes and end notes and references and data are well documented. The author makes every effort to look at the topic objectively. And some conclusions are rather surprising. More...
Jun 16, 2010
Neil
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A book that attempts to propose practical solutions to a problem that many of the worlds governments appear to be ignoring. Some of his ideas are radical (carbon rationing), others seem like common sense (making supermarkets into warehouses and forcing people to shop online).
His writing style did grate a little with me, but it is a meticulously researched book
His writing style did grate a little with me, but it is a meticulously researched book
Dec 16, 2009
Tai
rated it:
This is a thorough and careful book, but also amusing in places. Monbiot manages this well. He is unafraid to call a spade a spade, and correctly diagnoses the wishful thinking that sometimes afflicts environmental activists. Rooftop wind turbines are no solution to anything.
He makes a compelling case that that we should all demand that our economic system be issued new rules. Like NHL hockey players, no one (country/individual/business) wants to be the *first* to put on the helmet, More...
He makes a compelling case that that we should all demand that our economic system be issued new rules. Like NHL hockey players, no one (country/individual/business) wants to be the *first* to put on the helmet, More...
Apr 12, 2009
Irene
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the fog, inertia, and conspiracy surrounding climate change and the call for action, this book gives the a-z perspective. i like the central metaphor of the book which is that we have signed a Faustian pact - living it up like there's no tomorrow.
Jun 10, 2010
Cynthiacullen_
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A book with great ideas about saving our planet although the writer has been called an utopist by most people. A book revealling the hard truth about the state we are in and giving some hope about the future.
Oct 11, 2007
Laurel
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I was amazed by the thoughtfulness, thorough research, and full disclosure that Monbiot exhibited in his effort to show us how we can stop global warming by cutting our carbon footprint by 90%. I was especially affected by his chapter on transportation (save the world = stop flying).
Unfortunately, since so many of his specific suggestions rely on government policy and on governments "doing the right thing" for the environment, I'm not especially optimistic that his suggest More...
Unfortunately, since so many of his specific suggestions rely on government policy and on governments "doing the right thing" for the environment, I'm not especially optimistic that his suggest More...
Apr 14, 2008
Frederik
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Monbiot offers governments, industries and people like ourselves some valid solutions to fight global warming. But we lack the political will and insight to deploy them. In the mean time, the clock is ticking relentlessly...
I like Al Gore's documentary ('An inconvenient Truth') better. Unless you're a real and proactive global warming fighter, these matters can get a tad tedious. Especially when extended over more than 300 pages of depressing figures and estimations.
Our o More...
I like Al Gore's documentary ('An inconvenient Truth') better. Unless you're a real and proactive global warming fighter, these matters can get a tad tedious. Especially when extended over more than 300 pages of depressing figures and estimations.
Our o More...
Jan 01, 2011
MrsPL
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Essential reading on climate change - really makes you think about whether stopping climate change is possible, and if so, how.
May 24, 2011
Bill
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A good attempt to actually address the possibility of solutions to the problem of Global Warming. I doubt many of his suggestions will be heeded in time.
