Climate Crisis and American Crisis - Book Report/Review Example

Hot, Flat, and Crowded Introduction Friedman illustrates two things, which are climate crisis and American crisis. This is because both the world and America have a problem. The world’s problem is that it is getting hot, flat and crowded while America’s problem is that they have lost their way as a country. The argument of the book is that America can solve their problem by solving the world’s problem. Friedman has established synonymous terms that describe how the world is becoming economically more even by describing it as flattening. He gives details on what he perceives the biggest crisis in America with lots of ease. Friedman has explored the three problems that affect global population by living no stone unturned in his book (Friedman, Pp 12). Friedman illustrates the three problems facing America and the globe is globalization, which he describes as flattening, global warming, which is hot and overpopulation, which is crowded. He combines the three problems and tries to show a connection between the problems in a four-part sequence. Friedman illustrates this connection by showing the cause, the effect, the resolution and consequence respectively. Following the sequential order, he begins his book by giving details of his argument. He begins by explaining the term flat as used in his book. Friedman stresses that globalization has contributed to global warming. He gives an example by saying that as more people work results to more consumption hence problems in America. His argument is that America is not the only continent that is at the top of the food chain that resembles more food storeroom with plenty of room; hence US is stagnant in development as their jobs are swept below their feet (Friedman, Pp 45). This is because US is shipping their money to oil rich countries that are currently at war. Friedman suggests that if US wants to maintain command of the international economic policies they must invest in the future through clean energy. He describes this clean energy as ET, which means renewable, environmental technologies. Friedman then illustrates ways in which the world is crowded, or the vast population growth that has caused confusion in America. He explains that there are not only consumers, but there are more consumers consuming in America, which is a spread of western culture. Fried gives the consumption of oil, as an example, even with attempts of OPEC, s controlling, supply is mostly invariable. There is a substantial and ever increasing demand thus prices are soaring put a dent in the wallets of Americans. He explains that Americans are currently paying lots of money, and the excess they are spendingis sent to outside countries. The controversial part in Friedman argument is that global warming contributes to US stagflation. This is controversial because many people disagree with facts of global warming and its effects. He answers this question by citing many scientists who have scientifically proven global warming and its effects. He also disproves that id global warming is a joke it is the greatest joke perpetrated because it will help in growth of economy back to its size (Ferguson, Pp2). This will help America return to economic superiority and free Americans from controls of oil yielding companies. Friedman explain in depth how this problem facing America can create sparks of fire below the US economy and start a new business. He explains the parallels between how information technology revolution began, the status of energy technology revolution is, and how it will begin. Friend illustrates the hurdles that will be encountered since the future generation will feel the climate change rather than the current generation. Friedman states that people are likely to run out of energy resources, but he later argues that Stone Age era never ended because the world ran out of stone. Moving around the book he suggest that how the up coming countries like china should not follow on gulping footsteps of the Americans (Mckie, Pp 3). He does this by quoting a Chinese man who believes that America has existed for 150 years and above, it is now china’s time to consume at a reckless pace. In connection to china, he wonders how it feels to be like a Chinese for one day and sign into law new rules that would better the environment movement. He illustrates this by showing how they got rid of plastic bags in store. Friedman explains in the final chapter of his book that people should no longer make the planet green for the fitting of other species, but they should do it to benefit themselves. Friedman describes how the earth is under threats by ways that make it unstable for human survival. He illustrates that if the trend continues it will be too late to fix the problem. Therefore, it is a high time for the Americans to stand up and fix this problem by establishing strategies of clean energy that conserve energy. Consequently, this is an enormous challenge for America, but it is also a tremendous opportunity that Americans cannot afford to miss. American leadership is the key to healing the world and a strategy for renewal of America. Friedman elaborates that the green revolution that is needed is more than any revolution the world has witnessed. This will be the biggest project in American history. Even though, it will be hard to achieve, it will change most of things from what put into their cars and the electricity bill. Americans will achieve something more than pay off from clean air. This will inspire Americans engage in activities they have not done in a long time such as nation building. Conclusion Friedman has explored the three problems that affect global population by living no stone unturned in his book. His argument is that America is not the only continent that tops the food chain but resembles more food storeroom with plenty of room; hence US is stagnant in development as their jobs are swept below their feet. Friedman states that people are likely to run out of energy resources, but he later argues that Stone Age era never ended because the world ran out of stone. Friedman explains in the final chapter of his book that people should no longer make the planet green for the quality of other species, but they should do it to benefit themselves. Works Cited Ferguson, Andrew. Hot, Flat, and Crowded by Thomas L. Friedman. 2008. Friedman, Thomas. Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution - and How It Can Renew America. New York: Picador; Revised & enlarged edition. 2009. Mckie, Robin. Hot, Flat and Crowded by Thomas L Friedman. 2009. Read More