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 consumption per unit GDP will reduce about 1.5 billion tons of CO2 emissions. Red China is Green China. Or at least starting to be.

I also find it funny that Freidman has somehow found that its America, who should sweep down from the skies and save the Earth from this ecological calamity. Is this an attempt of a fading world power to stay relevant under the looming potential of the Eastern Dragon? Climate Change isn't an American problem. Its a global one (hence the term "GLOBAL Warming). But what else would one expect from the country who created Superman and who's only relevant technological breakthrough, relative to other countries, has been in the entertainment industry. (Transformers was a technological breakthrough! It looked so real dontcha think?)

If anything, this book shows that if Marx was right about one thing, it was in his belief that society's foundation is it's economics. As a result, any societal and political movements are contingent on how well our basic needs are met. If the stomach is not satiated the higher functions of the brain will not take place. The transition to clean and green is an arduous task and requires many changes to our accustomed and comfortable life style. So the question is can we, as a whole, over come the pangs of hunger and do what is necessary to build a world where we can breathe easy?

Despite its political undertones, it does paint a picture that we can work for and hopefully, enjoy one day.