Plan B: Mobilizing To Save Civilization. 2009. by Lester Brown - Book Report/Review Example

Critical Analysis Plan B: Mobilizing To Save Civilization is a comprehensive book that provides global solutionon environmental problem. The book was written by Lester R. Brown and it was released in the year 2009. The author has conveyed a very important message with the help of the book for the people of America. The book gives importance to the natural resources of the world and it provides some practical solutions for preserving the natural resources. Lester Brown has also detailed about the problems associated with the global warming, pollution and extinction of natural resources. He has provided some recommendations which can be implemented in order to overcome the modern day challenges faced by people. The book ‘Mobilizing to Save Civilization’ has been highly recommended by some universities as it has completely different approach for people to follow and save the world from disaster. Mr. Brown has stated that the carbon emission has to be reduced by 80 percent in order to reduce pollution and overcome the issues of global warming (Brown 103). He has specifically mentioned that the steps are required to be implemented soon and by the year 2018, the developments should be implemented all over the world. Some modern scientists believe that this could be a theoretical solution for the existing problem but it is not possible to cut down the Carbon Dioxide emission level by such high percentage. People are prone to the modern technological advancements. All equipments directly or indirectly emit Carbon Dioxide which can-not be controlled easily. Moreover, industries produce goods that are essential for people to live; hence industries can-not be shut down at once in order to reduce CO2 emission. There are many people who have arguments against the statements produced by Lester Brown in his book. The author has stated in the first chapter about the problems of the entire world, which gained readers attention however he failed to mention about proper alternatives to the existing fossil fuel consumption. In the second and the third chapter the author has done some diagnosis on the problems due to which the issues like pollution and global warming exists in the society. First of all, Brown has stated about the problems that occur due to rapid growth of population, such as insufficient food, water and soil for in several countries. The author has been successful in conveying his message to the society and convincing people that growth of population is required to be controlled in order to build a healthy environment. In the third chapter, Brown has mentioned about the issues related to climate change and depletion of non-renewable resources. The change of climate can have drastic effects in the society as it can result in rapid environmental changes leading to the occurrence of floods, earthquakes and Tsunamis. The fourth chapter of the book contains some suggestions by the author in order to use the energy sources efficiently. Author suggests diverging consumption of energy sources to wind, solar, thermal and other resources. The author’s views were limited when he provided the solutions. It is important to note that people already use renewable resources however the scientific research and development has not progressed to the remedies wherein people can completely shift from non-renewable resources. In the modern world people already use renewable as well as non-renewable resources for different purposes. However, due to lack of further technological advancements new ideas have not been implemented. The author’s claims should be more practical with the use of resources available to people. The author stated in the fifth chapter that wind-mills could generate 44 percent of the total electricity available to people. He also states that there is no development towards progression of wind mills in order to generate power from wind. Most of the modern scientists and researchers have failed to produce high amount of electricity from wind-mills. The flow of wind is not constant and it is difficult to generate continuous power supply from wind farms. The author has also stated in his book that there should be a revolution similar to the wars in the mind of people in order to implement the changes soon. The author could have suggested a peaceful way to incorporate the changes in the life of people in order to save mankind. Despite the controversies and critics about the book, it has still been accepted by people globally because it contains the basic understanding of issues that threat the world. Moreover, the book has some ideas and information that can be considered by researchers in order to develop new technologies and mobilize to alternate resources that are eco-friendly. Author’s theory Lester R. Brown has provided some significant issues that persist in the society. According to author, the human civilization is under great trouble because the growing issues on pollution and global warming has resulted in the occurrence of rapid earthquakes, eruption of volcanoes, land shifts and occurrence of high velocity storms. The author’s theory states that people should take speedy steps towards modern advancements and they must change the way of living. Pollution is one of the most important problems because it has direct impact on global warming and fast melting of glaciers. Author also states that the CO2 emission level should be kept in control because it can lead to severe health issues and would also increase the temperature on Earth. Brown has given many examples in his book that describes the effect of the issues that exists in the life of people. Apart from pollution and global warming, the author has also described about the problems that could arise from over-population. Over-population can have a drastic impact on the life of people as it has the potential to increase the demand of resources and would also increase the global warming (Jacobson 81). Author has stated that all the problems that exist in the world are linked with each other. Not a single issue can be resolved without controlling the other issues. The author has implemented the concepts in his book after making detailed analysis on the subject. Hence, it can be stated that the author has provided a strong theory in his book and his concepts and ideas have been accepted globally. Author’s Background and evidence The author of Plan B: Mobilizing to Save Civilization is Lester Russell Brown, who was born on March 28, 1934. He is the founder of Earth Policy Institute, which is a non-profit research organization located in Washington D.C. Brown has been the author or co-author of more than fifty books published on global environmental issues. Brown has distinct knowledge about global environmental issues. He took a nine months master’s degree on agricultural economics in order to get a work in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He had special interest on global food issues, which helped him to gain detailed knowledge about the food and environmental issues faced by the world (Rom 56). In the year 1974, Brown founded World watch Institute, the first research institute of global environmental issues. He was completely devoted the analysis and outcomes derived by the institute. Brown finally transformed his understandings and research work onto his books in order to make people aware of the environmental issues and provide them appropriate remedies. Brown’s works regarding his books have been consistent with some common themes. Brown mainly emphasized on population control and global warming issues. He also focused on issues related to pollution, conservation of non-renewable energy, deforestation and decrease of fresh water. The purpose of the book Plan B was to introduce readers to the problems that have occurred due to wastage of resources and over-population. With the help of the book Brown has addressed all problems related to global warming and pollution. The author has also mentioned that some important steps are required to be implemented within the year 2020, in order to overcome the disasters that could end human civilization. Undoubtedly, the works of Brown have been fabulous and many people have appreciated the content of the book. The author’s argument supports the thesis of the book appropriately. The author has stated that the dependency on non-renewable resources can lead to extinction of human life. Modern ways should be implemented in order to utilize solar, thermal and wind energies. Utilization of natural resources can reduce the dependency on oil and natural gas moreover it can reduce the level of pollution. Modern scientists have already started utilizing nuclear power as an alternative to the non-renewable resources however lack of proper infrastructure has limited the application of the power source in each and every sector. The author has also stated some arguments about over-population and misuse of resources. The author’s arguments are very important for mankind and modern researchers must find some remedies to incorporate those ideas practically. Plan B also suggests readers that there is a requirement to shift completely from the ways people lead their life because it can only prevent the disasters and increase the life on the Earth. Therefore it is clear that the arguments provided by the author are important and the solutions provided in the book can improvise the life of people. Works Cited Brown, R. Lester. Plan B: Mobilizing To Save Civilization. Jakarta: Yayasan Obor Indonesia, 2009. Print. Jacobson, Z. Mark. Air pollution and Global Warming. New York: Springer, 2012. Print. Rom, N. William. Environmental Policy and Public Health. London: Routledge, 2011. Print. Read More