Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #77448 in Books
• Published on: 2008-05-20
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 366 pages

Synopsis
An expos e of some of the more controversial agendas behind global warming argues that poor-quality science and dishonest politics are contributing to the intentionally disporportionate and self-serving levels of fear.

Customer Reviews

Thank you for a second opinion
This easy to read book offers the point of view of those who think that global warming is not man made or as catastrophic as some prophets claim.

Is not written as a scientific book but as an informative one for the general public ,although there are extensive references for those who want to find out more .Some of the chapters are not very informative and not well written .Perhaps the most interesting of all is the one looking at the many shortcoming of Kyoto ,some people think that if we all drive a Prius and recycle a bit more everything will be ok . It also pays attention to some of the inconvenient half-trues in the Al Gore movie.

Funny and surprisingly detailed
Before you buy this book, you need to ask yourself just one questions: do you feel fed up with "elites" and their politically correct dogma in general, but particularly in relation to global warming/climate change? If yes, then you will enjoy this book which like most of the others in the series delights in breaking elitist taboos. Do not let the funny cover fool you though: this book is a lot more than just a juvenile rasp at the establishment. Instead, it is a surprisingly detailed analytical critique of the media portayal of global warming, and how the actual truth is very different.

The chapters are well organised, and dotted with little boxes containing interesting quotes and even suggested further reading in an "index prohibitus" for those anxious for more taboo. The writing style is a curious mixture of serious deep discussion, peppered with witty asides and light hearted joking, especially when alarmist quotes from the past are highlighted. There is also an extremely revealing analysis of how the EU is attempting to use international treaties like Kyoto to try and peg leg the economies of its rivals such as India, China and especially the USA, which is something I had never considered before. In addition, the author also reveals how energy corporations often support renewable energy under the camouflage of corporate social responsibility when in actual fact many of these corporations own vast shares in these new technologies, and are thus motivated by simple greed.

The book does have its weaknesses though. There is one chapter for instance that seems to do little more than show rainfall and temperature graphs, and this is hard to get excited about (I skim read this part). Another problem with the book is its surprising length, at over 300 pages long, and is thus slightly longer than your average airport novel. Finally, the author shows that the green hysteria is a myth aimed at increasing taxes and government control, but doesn't then go on to tell us what we can do about it. Thus it is long on diagnosis, short on cure.

All in all, the book is written in a highly accessible style, and grapples with an important topic in an objective and highly original way. This book is strongly recommended.

Not one for the tree huggers
If you feel you are being bombarded with green propaganda, and have doubts about some of the claims that have been made lately, then this book will open your eyes . How many times have you heard some green zealot claiming ,that their is a consensus of all the worlds top scientists on global warming and it's time for action. If you read this book you will find out that alot of climate scientists dont agree on the causes of global warming, that our climate changes constantly and that most green house gases aren't man made. The author also highlights that many eco warriors are ex-marxists, who joined the green lobby when communism collapsed in the 1980's, and that they are still control freaks.It is also high lighted how the enviromental movement has failed places like Africa, with their opposition to cheap and reliable forms of energy in favour of solar panels and windmills,which are unreliable and expensive. They will never be able to industrialise unless they have a good reliable sourse of power ,which in turn will create wealth and better living standards. If I have one complaint about this book, it is that it does repeat itself a bit, especially in the kyoto chapter, but still an enlightening read.