Customer Reviews

Our Choice: A Plan to Solve the Climate Crisis

5 star:		(41)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(24)

 

 

Most of the "reviews" on this site are simply political arguments (with varying degrees of relevance to the book's subject matter) by people who either agree or disagree with Al Gore from a political standpoint. I would like to present a review of this book on its own merits.

1) The author has a lot to say in this book, and some of it takes time to read and comprehend. A book club might be helpful for many readers.
2) My favorite aspect of this book (from a literary standpoint) is the format. It is an interesting blend between textbook-style presentation of data, coffee-table-style presentation of main ideas, and textual exposition of a complex thesis. I think this format, while unconventional, fits the author's writing style. The downside of the format is that it could be too accessible, possibly enabling skimming or cherry-picking in lieu of reading.
3) There are minor grammatical errors that do not appear to obscure the meaning. Grammatical errors are common in scientific texts, because the majority of proofreading is done by technical experts. Also, artistic license is taken in some of the artistic renderings and poetry (and has been criticized in some reviews on this site). Both of these could be blown out of proportion by political opponents, but are legitimate in the context of the genre.
4) One of the reviews on this site claims that there is an "error" on the nuclear bar in the graph on p. 165. A range of 1-255 is given in the graph. The reviewer claims that the "actual" value in the reference is 66, but the reference itself gives the range from 1-255 *and* states that 66 is the mean value obtained upon a weighted average. Ironically, the value of 66 is not an "actual" value; it comes from a mathematical analysis, and does not refer to any particular study of an actual power plant. The book correctly presents the actual values from scientific studies, which range from 1-255. This full explanation is given on p. 2941 of the technical review that was referenced, which is free online: [...]

General Description: This book is about global warming - the science and politics behind the issue. The book is attractive and comfortable in the hands despite being fairly large. It features numerous full-color maps, graphs and charts that explain everything from the greenhouse effect to turbine engines. The full-color photography is sensational, comparable to National Geographic. Despite the claims of some reviewers that the content is controversial in science, much of the information consists of basic scientific facts, simple explanations of such things as geothermal energy and solar power. Where the assertions can be contested, Gore appears to rely on consensus scientific opinion. There are 18 chapters spread over 405 pages. The chapters are divided into the following sections:

1)The Crisis
2)Our Sources of Energy
3)Living Systems (ecology and population)
4)How We Use Energy
5)The Obstacles We Need To Overcome
6)Going Far Quickly (Gore's basic plan)

Controversy: Based on what I am reading in this book and others, there is no longer a controversy in science over global warming. There are very few scientists of good reputation who deny global warming or our role in it (see the book What's The Worst That Could Happen?). The controversy is among average folks and politicians. In other words, this is a political, not a scientific controversy. Please note that Gore is referencing leading scientific bodies like The Royal Society in England and the U.S. National Academy of Science. The controversy has been generated largely by conglomerates, notably ExxonMobile, but also Shell, Texaco, General Motors, Ford and other large business combinations. This book is in no small part an expose on a massive cover up by industrial giants. And it appears to me to be an authentic, well-documented expose. But of course, as Gore admits, there are many sincere objectors, including some well-known writers, but few reputable scientists. So why all the sincere objection? To address this issue, Gore taps into psychology and neuroscience. Evolution has geared us for reacting to immediate dangers like snakes, big cats, floods, tornadoes, etc. When the danger isn't visible, we selectively repress the threat, so we can go on about dealing with more pressing problems. I think Gore's psychoanalyses, combined with his accusations of fraud and propaganda, are what's enraging conservatives here at Amazon.

I wager that the majority of the semi-literate reviewers who gave this book one star did not read it, but were merely parroting what they heard on Fox News or Rush Limbaugh about climate change, or engaging in ad hominem attacks on Al Gore. This is a very good read and a hopeful guide to our energy future. Why all the hate? Even if, through ignorance and anti-intellectualism, you don't agree that humans are causing global warming, why be against new technologies? Why oppose clean energy like wind, solar, and geothermal, that could reduce our dependence on foreign oil and reduce the likelihood of oil spills like the current one in the Gulf of Mexico? What reason is there to be against progress and entrepreneurs and new ideas? I don't get it - these alternative sources of energy make sense no matter what. Unless you work for an oil company, I suppose.

Our Choice is as easy to read as a mystery novel. It has comprehensive descriptions of the newest climate research, and exciting accounts of technological innovations and social advances that could put us on a path out of the climate labyrinth.

This is a great book for a detailed look at the climate issues and climate solutions that are in front of us today. It can be at times, a bit tedious as it is a very analytical fact driven piece. However if you want a detailed look at the issues facing energy (solar, wind, nuclear, etc.) and our environment (soil, oceans, forests, etc.) then this is really what you need. Although a smaller touch, I really enjoyed the quotes and and insight offered periodically throughout the book. I definitely encourage anyone who is concerend about global warming and climate issues to read this book. In the end the book is an optimistic look at what is possible, and at the same time a sober reminder of what could be if we fail to act.

Our Choice is wonderfully accessible and pragmatic. Its eighteen chapters are a lavishly illustrated menu of choices which is at once expansive and credible. Our Choice clearly conveys the scope of solutions to the climate crisis, solutions which are promising, practical and potent. The solutions taken together meet the challenge, with speed and at scale.

It is the perfect sequel to An Inconvenient Truth.

I'm particularly struck by Gore's tone in Our Choice: he is sober and thoughtful and opinionated but not pedantic. This is not a superficial, how-to "101 Ways to Go Green," or an encyclopedic compendium of mind-numbing minutiae.

Rather, Our Choice is a survey at just the right level of detail. It covers our sources of energy, how we use it, and the obstacles we must overcome. An important highlight is the discussion of living systems, our forests, soil, and population, which is missing in most writing about climate crisis.

Gore's work comes at a crucial moment in time. The U.S. is vigorously debating climate legislation. Policy makers and parents, students and teachers, entrepreneurs and scientists are all energized. For example, fully one-third of the faculty at MIT wants to work on clean energy technologies. Our Choice will tempt and magnify those passions. It is a manual and manifesto for change, a good guide with a clear view of both the forest and the trees. It comes on the road to Copenhagen, but its best use is the path beyond.

OK, I'll admit (with pride) I'm a huge fan of Al Gore's. But not withstanding our friendship, this remarkable work IS the real thing. It is the product of countless hours of research and interviews, reading and listening, writing and rewriting, debate and critical thinking.

My daughter said "Dad, your generation created this problem. You'd better fix it." Our Choice is the Field Guide to fixing the climate crisis, a set of solutions worthy of your consideration.

Read this book. If you must, burn (and sequester) the others. And recycle the rest!

When mankind confronts and conquers the climate crisis it will be because one man made Our Choice clear.

I think some of the info has been updated but it's definately dead on in the message that we need to quit debating and start doing. It may be too late already,although I sure don't want to think so.

Al Gore is really brave, because he fights against climate change critics like Roy Spencer. Mr Spencer doesnt believe in climate change and says Obamas green policy is bad for the economy. Thats wrong. Climate change is real, and catastrophies like Hurricanes, Tornadoes and fires became more often and worse. They cost a lot of money, more than the money spended for new technologies to drop the CO2 emission. And even if we wont have climate change, we run out of oil. And if we wont have an alternative, our society will collapse. Scientists like Spencer dont believe they own books, because they write this nonsense because they get money for this. From groups like AFP, which is financed by the Koch brothers, two billionaires witch an oil company. Oh, did I say oil company? So, now you know why they're against climate protection.

You can learn a lot from this information dense book. Al Gore lays out in detail what must be done to save our planet from disaster.

It seems Al might want to an addendum to his book. Seems like it was all full of hot air. Can you return a nobel? NASA doesnt lie, or do they? Are they part of the conspiracy?