I finished this book a couple of days ago, and I would have reported on it sooner, but I've been busy becoming a more responsible citizen. A quick inventory revealed that I still had a few incandescent bulbs around the house, which I've now changed out for energy-efficient CFLs. I've been pricing hybrid cars, and by this time next week, will have traded in both our family Tauruses for cars that get twice the mileage.

If only every adult in America would read Hot, Flat, and Crowded. The author, who travels extensively, tells some compelling stories. However, the book is packed with history lessons, statistics, and analysis, all of which requires a certain investment from the reader. Anyone willing to make the commitment, however, will be rewarded with a much improved understanding the earth, its current challenges, and what we have to do to meet those challenges.

There's no time to waste.