Our Angry Earth [Paperback]

Isaac Asimov (Author), Frederik Pohl (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1993

An environmental call to arms, made even more relevant by the global summit in Rio de Janeiro on our planet's future. "Here is the ultimate how-to book--a sound plan for moving back from catastrophe--a reasoned hope that the will to do it is already in place".--Hugh Downs, host of ABC's 20/20. (Environmental Studies)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Noted science and science fiction writer Asimov (the Foundation series) and novelist Pohl ( Chernobyl ) take a comprehensive look at the major threats to our planet's ecosystem and present a prescription by which humanity might rescue itself from self-destruction. First discussing the perils, they explain scientific processes in layman's language--the greenhouse effect, depletion of the ozone layer, nuclear waste and species extinction, among others. Then they outline ways in which individuals can mitigate the pending dangers by altering their lifestyles and working for change through pro-environmental groups and political clubs. Proponents of more radical activist groups such as Greenpeace and Earth First! will probably find the solutions pallid. But as a survey of mankind's environmental sins and the catastrophic consequences of apathy, the book provides a lucid overview of the problems and a compelling call to action. Illustrations not seen by PW.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

In this book, noted futurists and science fiction writers Asimov and Pohl attempt to catalog all the world's pollution problems, including global warming, the ozone layer, water pollution, and space pollution. They then give their own solutions, which range from the practical to the somewhat fantastical, and call all citizens to action now. While this is a good book for readers who want a comprehensive analysis of environmental problems, the amount of detail and heavy theory that Asimov and Pohl provide will deter general readers interested in a quick overview. Recommended only for larger academic and research libraries.
- Emily Moser, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Lib., Rockville, Md.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 429 pages
• Publisher: Tom Doherty Assoc Llc (April 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812520963
• ISBN-13: 978-0812520965
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,815,075 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Introduction, June 27, 2009

By 

Jane Shevtsov (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: OUR ANGRY EARTH (Hardcover)

This book is not recent, but it is still a good introduction to environmental issues. Unusually for a book at this level, it even discusses the problem of "shoddy bookkeeping" or costs created by things like burning coal that are not reflected in their price.

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A Disappointed Reader, August 19, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Our Angry Earth (Paperback)

I picked this book up because it was (co)authored by Isaac Asimov. But even though it is published under the names of Asimov and Pohl, the book definitely does NOT read in the style of Asimov. It is a disappointment for those looking for the usual `wit and charm' of the old Doctor. `Our Angry Earth' lacks emotion as the author(s) dryly present point after point on the diverse ways in which we are abusing our planet (i.e., toxic emissions, acid rain, deforestation, global warming, etc.). Hence, the title. Though much of the content may be (and probably is) accurate from a scientific perspective, the authors present it in such a way that you can't help but feel you're listening to a street-corner doomsday prophet. Very unconvincing. Finally, in the early sections of the book, we are lead to believe the authors will propose `workable' solutions to our environmental ills. Yet, by the end of the book, we are presented with solutions that are nothing new and questionably workable (writing letters, forming environmental clubs, getting involved in politics). Are we polluting our planet? Unquestionably, yes. Have the authors galvanized us to action? Unfortunately, no

3 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's time to act NOW, September 7, 1998

By 

Uri Gordon ([e-mail]) (Tel-Aviv, Israel) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Our Angry Earth (Paperback)

Every once in a while you hear something about the environment, namely the ways in which we're destroying our world - global warming, ozone depletion, toxic waste, etc. Then you nod and say: "Oh yes, it's very important, something has to be done", but you just go on with your life doing absolutely nothing. This book is out to change that. It will give you a new way of looking at the world - and you won't like what you see. This book isn't just excellent - it's a "must". Through flowing style and easily understood points, the two grand masters of science fiction give us their most important work ever - and this book is all REAL. Written a year before Asimov's death, it's not only an account of the "maladies and cures", but also a loud wake-up call for every one of us to get up and ACT. Even if the political- and activist-oriented sections are somewhat schematic, the book's importance is in it's true power to influence people. I know that at least for me, "Our Angry Earth" was the beginning of a new stage of life. Asimov and Pohl, who wrote about a great future for humanity, are asking us not let our race finish itself off just when we were getting started. We just can't go down like that. It's time for YOU to read this book and look out your window. Can you smell the smog? It's going to kill your children if you don't do something about it.