Book Description
Today's headlines and recent events reflect the gravity of climate change. Heat waves, droughts, and floods are bringing death to vulnerable populations, destroying livelihoods, and driving people from their homes.
Rigorous in its science and insightful in its message, this atlas examines the causes of climate change and considers its possible impact on subsistence, water resources, ecosystems, biodiversity, health, coastal megacities, and cultural treasures. It reviews historical contributions to greenhouse gas levels, progress in meeting international commitments, and local efforts to meet the challenge of climate change.
The atlas covers a wide range of topics, including
warning signs
future scenarios
vulnerable populations
health
renewable energy
emissions reduction
personal and public action
With more than 50 full-color maps and graphics, this is an essential resource for policy makers, environmentalists, students, and everyone concerned with this pressing subject.
Customer Reviews:
Geography of Climate Change Issues.......2007-09-12
This is an excellent book for those wishing to study the issue of climate change from a geographical standpoint. The maps are excellent - they show exactly where evidence is being found to support global warming, what aeas of the world will be most impacted by global warming, and which nations have committed resources to slowing carbon emissions.
It is a visual guide to global warming, giving a very graphic perspective of the earth as a whole. The scientific explanations of the interacting systems of global winds, ocean currents, atmospheric gasses, and how they are being affected by human alterations, are particularly easy to understand because of the clear diagrams and colorful maps.
As an instructor of physical geography, I find this to be an excellent book for the non-scientist to undertand the physical processes and the science of global warming. The detailed yet easy-to-understand maps and diagrams add another dimension to an often dry and theoretical topic.
Good effort but misses a major point.......2007-04-19
This book enters the fray with a good overview relative to alternative energy as the answer - but, in my opinion, fails to embrace the "source" of today's dilemma. To precipitate a change in climate - we need a sea-change in the overall interaction of humanity with water. To achieve this, it would be wise for each of us to become conscious of how our daily decisions impact the world within our reach. What products we buy, how we use energy, the examples we set, what we say to others, how we help ease the burden of other life forms we come into contact with - all have an impact on water and the future of life in our biosphere. And, it is the condition of water within our biosphere that will determine the success or failure of our civilization.
Excellent Understandable Information!.......2007-03-21
My title says it all! This book is easy to read, pleasant to the eyes with its use of color and visuals, and food for the mind. At last, someone has taken pity on individuals who hear about climate change problems, but have not had the facts about it. I think this book is useful for everyone, and can be used in church, school, and living room settings.
Jay S. Southwick
Adequate intro/primer on climate change, inadequate and biased view of how to fix it.......2007-02-14
The authors do an adequate job of presenting the crisis of climate change in the first four chapters. The book is touted as being scientifically rigorous while Bo Kjellen, in the forward, states that it 'provides facts enabling readers to form an independent view of the problems.' This is true for the first 4 chapters. But when it comes to solutions, both of these authors are clearly in the anti-nuclear 'camp' for alternative energy policy. On page 11 they make this sweeping negative statement:
"Concerns over safety and long term storage of rad waste remain and it is not clear that its potential as an adaptation to climate change offers sufficiently strong justification to overcome economic barriers."
And so nuclear energy quickly gets buried by these authors, never to return again in this title. No sources are cited for this justification. No maps/statistics of countries with successful nuclear energy programs like France and Japan. No mention of nuclear energy's safety record in the US or worldwide (compared to natural gas, coal, oil). No chapter on the pros and cons of the latest nuclear energy technology. No estimation of energy demands the US will have when we're past the peak of oil and gas (which may have occured). No talk of eliminating dependency on foreign oil or the need for immediate and massive carbon emission reductions that are ONLY possible--in the short run-- w/ nuclear energy. It's that simple...minded.
Why is this bias so prevalent? James Lovelock in the REVENGE OF GAIA treats this uninformed bias(propaganda?)in some detail in his chapter Sources of Energy. The romantic notion that renewable energy (4% of current world totals) will have significant impact on adequately quelling carbon emissions is the modern day techno-barbarism promoted by these authors. Yes, renewables (geothermal tidal, solar, etc.) WILL rise in use world wide, but to put such faith in renewables when a 60-80% reduction of carbon is needed for survival (according to the EU) is tantamount to deception on a personal and public level that only a J. Lovelock could expose, and so vividly. Again, I refer the reader--especially those with strong anti-nuke feelings-- to Lovelock's latest release to get his rationale for what the stakes are at this stage of our climate history.
Lovelock and many others like myself are simply tired of the 'happy talk' babbling on renewables coming from authors like these as exemplified on page 87:
"Reducing carbon emissions to this extent will require massive changes to the world's carbon-based economy and our current inefficient use of energy. The GOOD NEWS is that many of the required technologies, such as geothermal, solar, and wind power, already exist, and there are many opportunities to improve and expand on their use." Really? Again, what place does nuclear energy, which accounts for 20% of the energy production in the U.S., have in all of this? None for these two. This is absurd.
Of course nuclear energy is not an approved or 'required' technology for these two authors. Contrary to any 'economic barriers' cited by Dow and Downing, the real barrier promulgated by these authors--and the uniformed public--has to do with ignorance, which ends up driving a flawed political agenda for addressing climate change. (And don't the oil execs love that!)
The views in this book express an unscientific bias that fails to even consider the science, risks, and refined technology of current nuclear energy that one finds in Nuttall's book THE NUCLEAR RENAISSANCE (2005). The dramatic carbon decrease from nuclear energy would certainly be the greatest benefit to human kind and planetary survival. Presenting the challenges of addressing climate climate with THEIR "facts" on nuclear energy, Dow and Downing do a disservice to the concerned reader seeking a comprehensive solution. Would these authors support supplanting China's dependence on coal(75% of their total energy pie) with nuclear? Of course not.
I believe, like Lovelock, that the denial of nuclear energy as a player at the table--and the subtle squashing of ANY debate-- will probably lead to the detriment of all life on this planet. That may sound dramatic, but I believe the stakes are truly that high. We should not let authors like Dow and Downing attempt to rationalize away a technology that, apparently, they have little familiarity with.
RATING: 2 1/2 stars. Time for a revision. And a rapid paradigm shift.
Book Description
This book is a study of the interaction of the Western societies of Europe and America with others around the world in the past two centuries--the age of European empire. Through a variety of case studies, it considers the European threat and the non-Western response, but the focus is on the ways in which people in Asia, African, and Indian America have tried to adapt their ways of life to the overwhelming European power of the period.
Customer Reviews:
Nice Introduction.......2005-02-13
Curtin is a prominent historian and one of the founding figures of world or comparative history. His output has largely been relatively focused monographs and essays aimed largely at other scholars. This book is an apparent attempt to reach a larger reading public. The theme is the nature of Western domination of the globe over the 2-3 centuries and the reactions of other societies to Western dominance. This is not a systematic history. Curtin presents a series of short essays covering the trajectory of Western dominance, its characteristics, its decline, and the response of non-Western societies of Western dominance. Each essay centers on a single historic episode which is used to illustrate the general themes. At the same time, the concentration on specific episodes allows Curtin to emphasize the heterogeneous nature of this historic process. The essays are individually written well and conclude with a short and informative bibliography. Some cover well known topics, such as the Meiji restoration of Japan. Others, like his discussion of millenial movements resulting from encounters with the West, feature less familiar episodes. Curtin avoids dogma and theorizing and writes with a clear, succinct style. A very good book for those who are looking for a starting point on world history.
A Comprehensible Comparative History.......2003-03-12
As a graduate student of Near Eastern Studies, with an extreme interest in world history, I found Curtin's book both enlightening and pleasurable. The first part of his book offers a background from which his numerous case studies find their premise. The case studies themselves are the highlight of the book; collectively a masterpiece of comparative history, they offer both insight on the relativity to processes simultaneously occuring around the world, as well as patterns in society trends. All in all, I found this piece of work to be a wonderful read for any student or professor of both world and comparative history.
A totally new look on Westernization.......2001-11-01
Philip Curtin greatest tribute to history is to review 500 years of Western influence across the World with new eyes. Instead of a Eurocentered vision of the World (we civilized them all) or an anti-imperialist vision (everything the West has done is bad), he studies the 500 years of colonization in 4 steps.
First, the conquest and how Europe took over the world. Basically prior to 1800, Europe only held a global string of outposts and it is after that date the European empires really become territorial. He also describes the impact of technology (medical science, a fundamental element for White men survival under the tropics) and the various politics of imperialism.
Second, the cultural impact on different types societies all around the globe: America, Africa, Asia. Third how Europe tries to convert the World to its creed and how the World adopts some elements while rejects other. And fourth, how the colonies, semi-colonies or states influenced by Europe (Thailand, Japan) regain their independance, the type of responses (resistance: personal, utopian, revolutionnary) and how to succeed after the Europeans are gone.
At the end of each chapter, the reader receives a list of recommanded books for further personal investigation (and there are many new paths to explore). And when the book is finished one as a better understanding of cultural relations, impact of colonization, possible paths of resistance against an agression, the internal mechanisms of a local society and how its cope with a foreign phenomenon, etc...
A key book for the 21st century, not the definitive book about the subject but definitively the one offering a sweeping global vision on the subject for the first time.
wholly inadequate.......2000-11-07
Slapdash research, shallow thinking, dull writing.
Comparative History at its best.......2000-08-04
Within the history profession, Philip Curtin is one of the fathers of comparative history, if for no other reason than so many of his students have become professors who also write and teach comparative history. His stature within the profession is hard to exaggerate. At a recent conference on world history, I overheard a group of educators brainstorming a shortlist of "essential authors". They reached an immediate consensus on William McNeill, Alfred Crosby, and Philip Curtin...and then paused for debate. There is clearly an audience of professional historians out there who are review-proof.
Thirty years ago, Philip Curtin published a book entitled *Imperialism*. Today the lexicon - and the perspective - have changed. He begins *The World and the West* with a discussion about the varieties of "colonialism". Only then does he begin to explore loaded concepts like "diffusion" and "modernization" using case studies that illustrate selective, syncretic processes. European states are reluctant, even unable, to administer colonies without the collaboration of local elites; efforts to modernize or reform lead to unintended consequences including defensive modernization and millennialism. Modernization inevitably transforms societies, but it often carries only a veneer of westernization.
Curtin's forte is comparison, and his case studies reveal diversity than enrich his arguments. One expects Japan and the Ottomans, but Central Asia and South Africa? Buganda and Siam? Ghana and Indonesia? It's clear why Curtin is held in such high regard among world historians. The scope of his comparisons is global.
This is clearly one of those 'not for everybody' books, but to its credit, it is under 300 pages and the case studies are very accessible. You don't need to be a professional historian to read and enjoy the book. Indeed, professional historians may take issue with some of Curtin's interpretations. (That's not just their right; it's their job.) My only criticism is that I would have liked more maps and photos - especially in the first half of the book. Other than that, I think Philip Curtin fans are in for a treat.
Customer Reviews:
A clash to Samuel Huntington's Clash of Civilizations.......2005-08-13
How do we define modernity today? Is Islam a backward religion, preaching barbaric practices or does it have progressive ideology? In the advent of the colonialism of many Muslim lands and the subsequent formation of independent nation states in the Muslim world the issue of modernity and Islam has been the most debated topic of the 20th century and new millennium. Few studies have detailed the link between Western and Islamic thought as Ramadan's book. Ramadan a Professor of Philosophy and Islamic Studies at Fribourg (Switzerland) was born and raised in Switzerland and differs from his grandfather (Hassan Al-Bannah founder of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt) in certain ideologies. Although their respective place in history can be regarded along the same line of thought as far as reconstruction of Islam towards a more Social empowering force. With an endless source of references to the greatest thinkers in history and an impressive academic pedigree; Descartes, Kant, Aristotle, Prometheus, Ibn Sina (Avicenna), etc. Ramadan tries to soften the extremist voices in the West and Islamic World so common roots and solutions to social dilemmas can be found.
Tariq Ramadan's thorough study of western civilization through technology, innovation and other fields that occurred during the renaissance, a consequence of the victory of rationalism over the clergy. However, Ramadan asserts this renaissance has deep roots in Muslim Spain, which was the learning center of Europe for nearly 500 years. Scholars like; Ibn Sina (Medicine), Ibn Rushid, (Philosophy), Al-Jabr (Mathematics), Ibn Hazim (Geography) and the many works of Aristotle, Plato, Pythagoreus were translated into Arabic and spread throughout Europe. The west must recognize this and at the same time the Muslim world must not demonize the west for eternity. Ramadan explains Islam is a universal faith, incorporating different societies throughout history, while maintaining their culture. He identifies himself as a `European Muslim' in that he finds the common enemy not the South or North (East or West) but a common enemy of illiteracy, poverty, crime, drugs. etc. Elaborating on Jihad and it's true meaning in Arabic of `struggle' a social Jihad must take place against illiteracy, poverty, crime, drugs, etc. Ramadan also cites an important saying of the Prophet Muhammad, "the bigger Jihad is fighting with one's spiritual (desires) and the smaller Jihad is the right of physical self-defense in protection of land, family, elderly, wealth, promoting and prohibiting evil".
Muslims must criticize that which is wrong and of utmost priority begin with their own societies, grass-root movements on a `Social Jihad'. Ramadan maintains a balanced approach to the civilizations, maintaining there are certain forces in the West who's sole interest lies in the resources of Muslim lands and feed off exposure of fanatical Muslims. Citing the ignorant support of certain western governments of human right violations in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and ignoring the social contribution of Islamic Movements. While in Algeria showing no support for the FIS (Islamic Salvation Front), which won the 1992 election but was later violently canceled by the military.
From a social religious aspect Ramadan sharply criticizes the narrow mindedness of some `ulema (Islamic scholars) in their literal interpretation of doctrine without taking into account the social context and condition of Muslims during the revelation of the Quran, which was sent down over a span of 23 years. Thus he argues stoning of adulterous women no longer applies, there is no constant in Islamic Law it is a case-to-case scenario that requires ijtihad, reasoning from the sources of Islamic Law. Also modernization, development and progress must not be defined as a purely western phenomena (Japan and the Orient) as there exist many social problems in the West.
In conclusion Ramadan strongly criticizes the Muslim World in their denial to criticize societies and resorting to violent reactionary behavior. He calls for a `Social Jihad' waged against illiteracy, poverty, crime, drugs, etc. Islam, Ramadan strongly contends is not naturally against development and thought as the Quran enlightens the ummah (Muslim Nation) to ponder and think of creation, there exists no dichotomy between development/rationality and religion.
Customer Reviews:
Very very good.......2007-05-20
Shows what a military officer needs to read and how to apply it to get an inner foundation for effective leadership. This is certainly not just a bibliography listing of books!
I was happy to see that I had already read a number of the suggested books but there was plenty of new material to go find.
Good book .......2007-01-14
Buy it. worth the literary recomends alone.
Reading for commanders indeed.
The author didn't write what he thought he wrote........2006-07-31
The author, having spent his military life reading about leadership, tries to write a book about leadership. What he ended up writing was a book about reading about leadership, and given his own limited writing ability, even his writing recommendations can't be trusted. I'm going to go read some Heinlein and see if I can't get better recommendations than this.
ESSENTIAL.......2004-12-14
By all means this text is essential to your quest to become a leader. Although slotted for an outlook more akin to officers; I would highly recommend this book to enlisted members as well. As an NCO myself this book was incredibly insightful and has definitely furthered my career as a member of the military. If only more officers would read this book the Arms would be a much better, and effective, entity.
Reading for every officer.......1999-05-12
This book is essential reading for all those who are or hope to someday be military leaders. It utilizes philosophy, ethics, and morals in its discussion of an ideal leader. it is versatile in that it can be used early in an officer's career to guide him, or later, to refine him. "The Challenge of Command" should be required reading of all officers and officer candidates.
Book Description
After World War II a select number of countries outside Japan and the West--those that Alice Amsden calls "the rest"--gained market share in modern industries and altered global competition. By 2000, a great divide had developed within "the rest", the lines drawn according to prewar manufacturing experience and equality in income distribution. China, India, Korea and Taiwan had built their own national manufacturing enterprises that were investing heavily in RandD. Their developmental states had transformed themselves into champions of science and technology. By contrast, Argentina, Brazil and Mexico had experienced a wave of acquisitions and mergers that left even more of their leading enterprises controlled by multinational firms. The developmental states of Mexico and Turkey had become hand-tied by membership in NAFTA and the European Union. Which model of late industrialization will prevail, the "independent" or the "integrationist," is a question that challenges the twenty-first century.
Average customer rating:
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The Postwar Challenge: Cultural, Social, and Political Change in Western Europe, 1945-1958 (Studies of the German Historical Institute, London)
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0199266654 |
Book Description
This volume charts the cultural, political, and social changes which took place in Western Europe during the first thirteen years after the Second World War. It brings together seventeen essays by experts from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and the USA. Western European nations faced many challenges during this period: the psychological and material aftermath of the war; the need for economic and social restructuring; and the impact of the Cold War on domestic political, social, and cultural developments. To explore the responses to these challenges, transnational and national perspectives need to be combined. Thus the first two sections compare key developmental processes in Britain, France, West Germany, and Italy. They ask how these nations came to terms with their most recent history, and how they addressed the problems of economic and social restructuring. A solely comparative approach along national lines, however, does not do justice to the historical reality of these societies. After all, they were not hermetically sealed national units, but connected by individual and institutional contacts and the transfer of goods and ideas. The third section examines the area in which these links had become most obvious after 1945-the debates about the beginnings of European integration. The fourth section focuses on the influence of the USA on the social and cultural re-organization of Western Europe. It abandons national subdivisions altogether and examines some agents of American influence in Western Europe.
Book Description
Examines the sociopolitical legacy and economic challenges that will face a post-Castro goverment and the Cuban people themselves in the era after Castro.
Books:
- The Boleyn Inheritance
- The Book of Irish Families, Great & Small (Third Edition, Expanded)
- The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine
- The Fight for Jerusalem: Radical Islam, the West, and the Future of the Holy City
- The Forty Days of Musa Dagh
- The Frontiersmen: A Narrative
- The Jesus Family Tomb: The Discovery, the Investigation, and the Evidence That Could Change History
- The Joke's Over: Bruised Memories: Gonzo, Hunter S. Thompson, and Me
- The Lakota Way: Stories and Lessons for Living
- The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors: The Extraordinary World War II Story of the U.S. Navy's Finest Hour
Books Index
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