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The Pipeline and the Paradigm: Keystone XL, Tar Sands, and the Battle to Defuse the Carbon Bomb
This thoroughly researched and wholly engaging book investigates the economic, ecological, political, and psychological issues behind the Keystone XL pipeline—a project so controversial it has inspired the largest expression of civil disobedience since the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. With enough carbon trapped in the Canadian tar sands to plunge the Earth into irreversible climate change, it is the Keystone XL pipeline that will set that carbon free. The debate rages on over whether this 2,100-mile long steel pipeline is a vital piece America’s energy future or the conduit for global climate disaster. From the enormous tar sands mines in Alberta to a tree-top blockade in Texas, this book introduces the people and explores the competing interests that power the environmental issue of the current generation.
- GenresNonfiction
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
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36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 20, 2013
I received a free ARC of this book via NetGalley.
I enjoyed Sam Avery's book about the Keystone XL pipeline. He's a solar installer and environmentalist, but is also pragmatic about our dependence upon fossil fuels.
Avery travels the length of the proposed pipeline, interviewing folks along the way. He talks to people who are extremely concerned about the environment, people who are concerned about property rights, people who think the pipeline is a good idea - people all over the spectrum. He asks all of them what they think about the environmental impact of the pipeline.
That's the "pipeline" of the title. The other part of the book discusses the environmental versus economic way of looking at the world; the paradigm from which we view the pipeline.
I appreciated the balance Avery brings to the book. He comes with a definite opinion (he writes about taking part in nonviolent protests against the pipeline), but treats his interview subjects, and their opinions, with respect.
Recommended.
I enjoyed Sam Avery's book about the Keystone XL pipeline. He's a solar installer and environmentalist, but is also pragmatic about our dependence upon fossil fuels.
Avery travels the length of the proposed pipeline, interviewing folks along the way. He talks to people who are extremely concerned about the environment, people who are concerned about property rights, people who think the pipeline is a good idea - people all over the spectrum. He asks all of them what they think about the environmental impact of the pipeline.
That's the "pipeline" of the title. The other part of the book discusses the environmental versus economic way of looking at the world; the paradigm from which we view the pipeline.
I appreciated the balance Avery brings to the book. He comes with a definite opinion (he writes about taking part in nonviolent protests against the pipeline), but treats his interview subjects, and their opinions, with respect.
Recommended.
September 29, 2015
The Pipeline and the Paradigm by Samuel Avery foreword by Bill McKibben really brought me to a new understanding about the Keystone XL pipeline. Would your opinion change about the pipeline if you realized how bad it affects our planet? In his book Samuel Avery brings so much information I wouldn't have thought of, on how bad this pipeline affects our planet and atmosphere. Samuel Avery explains how the mountain top removal has devastated the Appalachia Hills. He explains how the native people around sand pits in Canada have had to adjust to living around the new plants, that make the crude oil. I really like how he didn't just stick to the side on how all these new plants and mining for the oil is bad. He talks about going to a hearing on mining permits in Kentucky. He explained how he sees the workers point of view. They talk on how that's the only way they know how to live, How their parents and grandparents worked on the plants and mines, and finally how that's what their kids will most likely go into as they get out of school. The main thing he is trying to accomplish no matter how hard it gets, he wants to stop the pipeline from happening. Will he meet his goal and end the pipeline?
To me this book has gave me a new outlook on what the pipeline actually brings. When picking up this book I thought it was going to be completely different than what it was. I assumed that it was going to include more about how its going to help the United States, and how it bring jobs to welders and store owners, and makes towns thrive. On the other hand it didn't really talk about what it had to bring, it was a lot of how it affects the planet and atmosphere around us. I want to go into the welding field and this book brought me a whole new idea on how much some things that we do affect our planet and how the pipeline is actually doing more damage to our earth. It made me understand how much some of the things that welders build can create more bad than good.
This would be the perfect book for people who want to learn the outcomes that the pipeline brings and what all is happening around it and in towns it goes through. The book is mainly for environmentalists who want more solid proof on how the pipeline is bad and create any arguments. If you like environmental issues and how big of an impact this will affect our world and everything that inhabits it.
To me this book has gave me a new outlook on what the pipeline actually brings. When picking up this book I thought it was going to be completely different than what it was. I assumed that it was going to include more about how its going to help the United States, and how it bring jobs to welders and store owners, and makes towns thrive. On the other hand it didn't really talk about what it had to bring, it was a lot of how it affects the planet and atmosphere around us. I want to go into the welding field and this book brought me a whole new idea on how much some things that we do affect our planet and how the pipeline is actually doing more damage to our earth. It made me understand how much some of the things that welders build can create more bad than good.
This would be the perfect book for people who want to learn the outcomes that the pipeline brings and what all is happening around it and in towns it goes through. The book is mainly for environmentalists who want more solid proof on how the pipeline is bad and create any arguments. If you like environmental issues and how big of an impact this will affect our world and everything that inhabits it.
August 5, 2013
This book is like sitting down to dinner with a really interesting, knowledgeable guy and talking with him for a couple of hours about the environment, the Keystone pipeline, life, peaceful resistance, the planet, and a lot of other really interesting people he has met. It's a warm (pun intended) and friendly book about a horrifying prospect, and the over-the-fence style only serves to make the unimaginable all the more real.
In the end, what I took away from this book is that people believe what they want to believe. They'll support that belief with anything that they can, and it doesn't matter if it's a fact or not. And if a fact comes up that opposes their belief, they'll ignore it, or twist the fact beyond recognition until it says what they want it to say. For example, at least 2 people int he book whose livelihoods are tied up with the pipeline refer to volcanoes as being 95% of what is causing global warming. I was actually a little disappointed that Avery did not challenge them - on the other hand, I guess he's smart enough to know he would not change their minds anyway.
In the face of all that mental inertia however, Avery and many others carry on, and I admire them all the more for it.
In the end, what I took away from this book is that people believe what they want to believe. They'll support that belief with anything that they can, and it doesn't matter if it's a fact or not. And if a fact comes up that opposes their belief, they'll ignore it, or twist the fact beyond recognition until it says what they want it to say. For example, at least 2 people int he book whose livelihoods are tied up with the pipeline refer to volcanoes as being 95% of what is causing global warming. I was actually a little disappointed that Avery did not challenge them - on the other hand, I guess he's smart enough to know he would not change their minds anyway.
In the face of all that mental inertia however, Avery and many others carry on, and I admire them all the more for it.
October 8, 2020
The Pipeline and the Paradigm: Keystone XL, Tar Sands, and the Battle to Defuse the Carbon Bomb by Samuel Avery is an examination of the proposed XL pipe line running from Canada to Houston and Port Arthur. Avery was born in New York City and attended college at Oberlin and the University of Kentucky. Currently he runs a solar installation company and writes about peace and environmental issues.
I can't think of another book I read where the first chapter opens with a picture of the author being arrested at a protest. This sets the tone for the book. Although not a radical or extremist, Avery is committed to the cause in his own way. The fist half of the book combines Thoreau's Civil Disobedience, a bit of Gandhi, and an admission. Civil Disobedience, must be civil. Violence may get more attention but it will quickly turn against you. Avery displays patience and a cheerfulness when dealing with the police. His admission is most surprising. He believes that we need fossil fuel until we can shift out of it technologically and socially and culturally. These shifts are slow and there is a marked change between generations. The old ideas fade away with the older generations and new ideas rise with the younger generations. I think a good parallel would be the gay marriage movement over the last twenty years. Slowly, the concept moved from unacceptable to being accepted in twelve states and a small majority of the population. In fossil fuels, the shift can be seen too. More of the younger generation is turning away from cars, buying local, and showing concern for the environment. I was surprised by Avery's admission of needing a car, but he makes several practical points.
The second half of the book is concerns the actual pipeline. Avery drives the length of the pipe and talks to people who are being affected by the route of the pipeline. He meets both pro and con property owners and talks to them about the pipeline, climate change, property rights, and both the government's and the corporation's involvement in the pipeline. He also has a telephone interview with the executive vice president at TransCanada in charge of the XL Pipeline. Several potential issues with the pipeline are discussed including leaking and leak detection.
Throughout the book the reader is reminded of the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the amount that will be released into the atmosphere if we burn the tar sands. Much more than just burning the tar sands is the additional need to “fortify” the crude to make it useful and the chemicals that need to be added to allow the crude to flow through the pipeline. "Carbon Bomb" is the word used to describe the Alberta Tar Sands.
Overall The Pipeline and the Paradigm presents an interesting case against the XL Pipeline. The author takes a balanced look at the pipeline and the toll it will take on the environment. He acknowledges both sides of the issue including his need for gasoline and the balance between the environment and fuel and jobs. A good read and personal look at the XL Pipeline
I can't think of another book I read where the first chapter opens with a picture of the author being arrested at a protest. This sets the tone for the book. Although not a radical or extremist, Avery is committed to the cause in his own way. The fist half of the book combines Thoreau's Civil Disobedience, a bit of Gandhi, and an admission. Civil Disobedience, must be civil. Violence may get more attention but it will quickly turn against you. Avery displays patience and a cheerfulness when dealing with the police. His admission is most surprising. He believes that we need fossil fuel until we can shift out of it technologically and socially and culturally. These shifts are slow and there is a marked change between generations. The old ideas fade away with the older generations and new ideas rise with the younger generations. I think a good parallel would be the gay marriage movement over the last twenty years. Slowly, the concept moved from unacceptable to being accepted in twelve states and a small majority of the population. In fossil fuels, the shift can be seen too. More of the younger generation is turning away from cars, buying local, and showing concern for the environment. I was surprised by Avery's admission of needing a car, but he makes several practical points.
The second half of the book is concerns the actual pipeline. Avery drives the length of the pipe and talks to people who are being affected by the route of the pipeline. He meets both pro and con property owners and talks to them about the pipeline, climate change, property rights, and both the government's and the corporation's involvement in the pipeline. He also has a telephone interview with the executive vice president at TransCanada in charge of the XL Pipeline. Several potential issues with the pipeline are discussed including leaking and leak detection.
Throughout the book the reader is reminded of the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the amount that will be released into the atmosphere if we burn the tar sands. Much more than just burning the tar sands is the additional need to “fortify” the crude to make it useful and the chemicals that need to be added to allow the crude to flow through the pipeline. "Carbon Bomb" is the word used to describe the Alberta Tar Sands.
Overall The Pipeline and the Paradigm presents an interesting case against the XL Pipeline. The author takes a balanced look at the pipeline and the toll it will take on the environment. He acknowledges both sides of the issue including his need for gasoline and the balance between the environment and fuel and jobs. A good read and personal look at the XL Pipeline
February 7, 2013
I found this book really interesting, mostly because I have no idea that they are building a pipeline that goes from Canada to the end of the U.S., Texas to be precise. The writer is an ecologist but he takes into consideration all the pros and the cons and still leaves a little bit of hope in the end.
Ho trovato questo libro molto interessante, principalmente perchè non avevo idea stessero costruendo una condotta che va dal Canada al Texas. Lo scrittore è un ecologista contrario, ma nel libro descrive ed intervista sia i favorevoli che i contrari e alla fine riesce anche a lasciare un po' di speranza.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS FOR THE PREVIEW.
Ho trovato questo libro molto interessante, principalmente perchè non avevo idea stessero costruendo una condotta che va dal Canada al Texas. Lo scrittore è un ecologista contrario, ma nel libro descrive ed intervista sia i favorevoli che i contrari e alla fine riesce anche a lasciare un po' di speranza.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS FOR THE PREVIEW.
September 8, 2013
Interesting, rambling social account of the reactions to the proposed Keystone XL pipeline. In addition to talking to his fellow activists and opponents of the pipeline, Avery made a good effort to talk to people outside of that community. People whose land is to be affected or actually taken from them. People who work on pipeline construction. People in favor of the pipeline. Corporate people. All kinds of folk, in other words.
It's an interesting book that was hard for me to read. Depressing.
It's an interesting book that was hard for me to read. Depressing.
September 25, 2014
Much more of an oral history/journal than I anticipated. I suppose it matters what Joe Blow in Texas thinks about Keystone XL but I was hoping for more analysis and discussion of the real (carbon emissions) and advertised (the possibility of the Ogalalla aquifer being compromised) impacts of the pipeline.
December 9, 2013
This is the first book I've read on the Alberta tar sands and the Keystone XL pipeline. I now have a better understanding of the global impact of the tar sands and the pipeline. Read this book to find out what might be in the future for our children. See my full review at http://bit.ly/18ipLCW.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews