Hot, Flat, and Crowded - Why We Need a Green Revolution - Assignment Example

Hot, Flat, and Crowded - Why We Need a Green Revolution Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution- and How it can Renew America by Thomas Friedman was published on 8th February, 2008 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. The main aim of the book is to give solutions regarding global warming and suggest ways so that United States embraces clean energy and green technology industries. The book basically addresses America’s loss of focus especially after the 9/11 disaster and the global environmental emergency. According to Friedman, the title of the book offers the three big challenges which are faced by America in particular. By saying the world is a “flat” he has tried to emphasize on globalization and the problem of outsourcing in United States. By “crowded” he meant the overpopulated scenario of the world where the major occupants are middle class and among these people the demand for material goods are quite high. As a result there is a strain on resources. Finally through the term “hot” he tried to focus on the universal issue of global warming. The essence of the book lies in the fact that it tries to emphasize the role of America in solving its own problem and also helping the whole planet. The book is mostly devoted in creating awareness among the readers so that the gravity of the situation is understood. Friedman in his book had shared his experiences and had even suggested ways to begin to quest for a new “green movement”. He has not exaggerated the current situation much, instead he has clearly pointed out that the moment for a change has come. He admitted that path to this new world will not be easy but he has tried to give a very optimistic look to the whole process. In the very opening chapter the author had highlighted the role which he expects America to play. In the chapter “Where Birds Don’t Fly” through the example of the new U.S. consulate in Istanbul, Turkey he quite nicely pointed out how America should be. The new consulate which was built post 9/11 attacks had a formidable security system which cannot be breeched by birds. This often gives a very wrong picture of the country. The author disapproves this kind of American image where they are completely aloof from the rest of the world. In the middle of the existing problems he wanted America to take the lead and pave the way for the others. Friedman generously accepted America’s fault in the subprime crisis which lead to the downfall of the U.S economy in 2008. He even pointed out the “dumb as we wanna be” (Friedman, 8) politics in America by citing the example of 2008 presidential primary campaigns. Both Senator John McCain and Hilary Clinton had vouched to mitigate the problem of global warming yet their policy to give American drivers a “break” was a way of aggravating it. The suggestion of suspending 18.4 cents a gallon would not only lead to inflation due to excess demand but also increasing amount of global warming. However amidst all these he also pointed out about the young generation which is involved in “nation building at home”. These people are coming up with new ideas that will certainly help America to make a new nation with green technology. The book in four parts has very nicely explained the “cause”, “effect”, “resolution,” and “consequence.” In the book he has identified and focused on the five evils in the energy-environment time period of this world viz. “the growing demand for even scarcer energy supplies and natural resources; a massive transfer of wealth to oil-rich countries and their petro-dictators; disruptive climate change; energy poverty, which is sharply dividing the world into electricity haves and electricity have-nots; and rapidly accelerating biodiversity loss, as plants and animals go extinct on record.” (Friedman, 26-27) As global warming is a very important phenomenon in the present world Friedman has dealt with it very nicely in the subsequent sections. He has used very nicely the concept of “petrodicatorship” to argue for the necessity to reduce oil consumption. Climatic change is a very obvious think to everyone but no one is sure that when the predictions will come true. Thus he had very nicely acquainted his readers to the problem of global warming and as also pointed out that there is a need for national awareness. The intrinsic association between human beings and the bio diversity has been pointed by him and also the need to preserve the depleting environment. He has also explained the lack of electricity in the developing countries. Any change in the climatic condition affects them deeply. He has emphasized on the need to build up a good communication system even in less developed countries as it is essential in this globalized world. As America has the leading edge therefore stress was highly given on America’s key role in bringing about the change. Friedman in his book had recommended the “Code Green Plan” to bring the required change. A need for “clean electrons” has been emphasized by him along with the need for conservation, energy efficiency, and resource productivity. He has asked for government regulation and funding. Transition to a new system is not easy, this fact was accepted by him, but what wanted was a beginning. The main strength of the book lies in the fact that it has given its readers a pessimistic scenario of the world where there is no turning back. Instead the book has in parts tried to unfold the different aspects of the problems pertaining to global warming, globalization, and overcrowding. He wanted to highlight the need for some country to stand up and bring about a change. Keeping in mind America’s current situation and its position with similar problems the author wanted U.S to take the lead. However though the book addresses issues which are perhaps universal in nature yet their remedy and focus had been too narrow. The entire thing of reducing global warming for a greener environment has been written keeping United States in mind and how can it help America in particular. So policies on the basis of this book might not be viable for other countries in question. Reference Friedman, Thomas L. Hot, Flat and Crowded, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2008. Read More