Reviews (236)

Powerful message
Congratulations to Al Gore for taking on a subject largely regarded as anathema by the US political establishment. Yes the science is still unsure on many of the issues, however, it IS becoming increasingly apparent that C02 emissions from industry, petrol engines etc are contributing to driving global temperatures upwards. That said, there is truth though that global warming is a natural event because thanks to analysis carried out on ice samples from the Greenland permafrost, thousands of years old, we have a clear record of many natural warming cycles going back millennia.
What was Gore's degree in? Oh yeah, journalism
Oh please... what scientific background does this guy have???? What a joke!The stuff in this book is more sophmoric than a prom.This is a political treatise with no scientific value at all.What is my degree in?Well, I have 3: BS chemistry, MS environmental science and a JD (Law).

From the inventor of the Internet????
For the lunatic Lefties and Wingnuts, this is a "Bible".From someone who lost an election, whined and wimpered until told to "shut up" by the USSC, we get this garbage dumped on the fools who would believe it.
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Subjects:  1. Climatic changes    2. Ecology    3. Environmental Conservation & Protection - General    4. Environmental Science    5. Environmental Studies    6. Environmental aspects    7. Global warming    8. Nature    9. Nature/Ecology    10. Science / Environmental Science   

Reviews (4)

Highly disappointing
While the class I took that used this textbook was informative, this book was full of what seemed to be the authors' personal opinons.Like another person said here in the reviews about blame on the Bush administration, and lack of references aside from photo credits, this book seemed to be geared more towards giving you the biased outlook of the author than an unbiased view of environmental science.
Interestign articles with a thick political spin
This revision must have been specially produced just to include all the anti-Bush rhetoric.In nearly every chapter, responsibility for the current state of the environment is laid squarly on President Bush's administration.
One of the Best
This is one of the most readable environmental texts I've seen.
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Subjects:  1. Ecology    2. Environmental Science    3. Environmental Studies    4. Environmental sciences    5. Human Ecology    6. Life Sciences - Ecology    7. Science    8. Science/Mathematics    9. Textbooks    10. Ecological science, the Biosphere    11. Science / Environmental Science   

Editorial Review

Paper or plastic? Neither, say William McDonough and Michael Braungart. Why settle for the least harmful alternative when we could have something that is better--say, Read more

Reviews (59)

everyone should read this book
We need change to the core, specifically on how we make, use and dispose of our "THINGS"... this is not a HOW TO book, so do not expect hands on solutions to problems you want to solve. It's more a wider view of just how much damage we are causing, and it's just mind blowing how much we can actually change by thinking different.
All is not lost!
This book is just the ticket for the average environmental pessimist.A refreshing and optimistic look at the future.It's simple, it makes sense, and it has the udeniable ring of truth.

The people criticizing this book have "misguided" all over them
There were a lot of complaints that the book wasn't specific enough, didn't give every detail to their examples, or didn't provide any examples at all. Newsflash: it was not the authors' goal to redesign our entire civilization. Their goal was to point out that it will eventually need to be done, should be done, and hopefully, with the examples they did provide, can be done. If you are disappointed a specific problem in our society wasn't solved, why don't you do as the book directed, take a few steps back, and come up with your own "effective" solution.
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Subjects:  1. Environmental Conservation & Protection - General    2. Environmental Science    3. Environmental aspects    4. Industrial Design - General    5. Industrial management    6. Life Sciences - Ecology - Recycling    7. Recycling (Waste, etc.)    8. Science    9. Science/Mathematics    10. Nature / Environmental Conservation & Protection   

Reviews (8)

Is Darwinism bad for the environment?
On one level this is an eloquent plea for an environmental awakening sounding the alarm on the destruction of species diversity. But this clarion call is marred by the introduction of Wilson's Darwinian obsessions. The age of environmental exploitation has also been the age of the reign of the false theoretical constructs of Darwin and his misleading and socially destructive theory of natural selection. The book even includes a hectoring section about the laws of biology, which is bad science and concealed propaganda. Wilson should know better. Biologists fancy themselves the sages of nature, but in fact the reductionist positivism of their methodology constitutes a misunderstanding of nature and reflects the concealed ideology of classical liberalism that is responsible for the indifferent ravaging of natural resources and environments. So behind the fine words Wilson is really a spokesman and ideologist for the problem, not the solution.
A Plea for the Religious & the Secular to Work Together for the Biosphere
Thank you Edward O. Wilson for taking this burden on your shoulders; for making the plea to the religious among us to abandon the Dominionist principle that the Earth is here to be bent to humankind's will and save the biodiversity that makes our lives livable.
One long appeal
When Charles Darwin published "The Origin of Species" he declared it to be "one long argument".Today, less than 150 years later, Edward O. Wilson explains that the one species omitted [except for one sentence] from the "argument" is devastating the life of the planet.In one long appeal to a fictional Baptist pastor, Wilson describes what is clear to all but a few dedicated die-hards - life on this planet is in deep trouble.The die-hards are firmly identified in the opening passages; Christians in the US who regard themselves as "biblical literalists".Such folk expect the Apocalypse soon and saving the environment is of little concern.
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Subjects:  1. Biology    2. Creation    3. Environmental Science    4. General    5. Life Sciences - Evolution    6. Philosophy & Social Aspects    7. Religion & Science    8. Science    9. Science/Mathematics    10. Christianity    11. Science / Environmental Science    12. Science: General Issues   

Reviews (1)

a good book for Environmental Engineer
I'm a Environmental Engineer Of wastewater treatment, and have worked only for one year. I am so eager to get the knowlege for this effect. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Engineering - Civil    2. Environmental Engineering & Technology    3. General    4. Life Sciences - Ecology - Recycling    5. Purification    6. Science    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Water    9. Civil Engineering, Surveying & Building    10. Technology / Engineering / Civil   

Subjects:  1. Environmental Science    2. General    3. Geography    4. Globalization    5. Political Science    6. Politics/International Relations    7. Travel - General    8. Regional geography    9. Science / Geography   

Reviews (1)

Positively Brilliant.
Professor Wangari Maathai is truly one of the most important voices of our time. This dynamic and indefatigable Kikuyu woman of Kenya has illuminated rays of light through the dark clouds of Kenya, and so Africa. Standing in the face of oppression and unbearable adversity she faced when Kenya was not a land of freedom, but a state of oppression and discord, it was Wangari's resilient voice, her never-ending effort to stand strong in the winds of injustice, and her ceaseless love of mankind that has in many ways begun the great changes toward democracy and freedom for all individuals not just in Kenya, but in Africa. As the Cold War has, as Professor Maathai clearly and carefully points out, changed the dynamics of government in Africa, the reader becomes aware, in a different way than what is typically presented in the press, of the many issues involved with the challenges that the world faces through the daily experiences of those who seek `Freedom'. Clearly, as the world becomes closer and more connected, the issues that continue in Africa are critical issues that we, as a progressive society, must not simply acknowledge, but do something about. Acting on what is right . . . standing up for your beliefs . . . standing down oppression and hatred . . . and nurturing Mother Earth as she continues to nurture and provide for all, are themes this visionary African woman - who is the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize - shares with the world in her brilliantly written life story. Readers across the world - men and women of all colors and creeds and beliefs will tap into the determination of this extraordinary activist who has taught so many about how love of each other can grow through respecting and nurturing the land we live on. But there is so much more to `Unbowed': Uhuru Park - Freedom Park - is more than a rolling green field in the middle of busy Nairobi, it is more than a starting point for this wonderful woman's love affair with the world, and it is so much more than a gathering point where the notion of planting trees . . . the seeds of The Green Belt Movement occurred. As Professor Maathai has shown through her own life, `Uhuru' is not Free! `Unbowed' is the story of a magnificent and courageous leader who stood up for the oppressed, including the woman of Kenya, and provided hope for better tomorrows by demonstrating that if a person possesses a will to make change, change can and will occur. `Unbowed' is a most remarkable memoir . . . and Professor Wangari Maathai is an ingenious woman of dignity the world continues to learn from. Listen: no matter where you are from, this book will positively change your life.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Conservation Of Natural Resources (General)    6. Environmental Conservation & Protection - General    7. Forest Conservation    8. Kenya    9. People of Color    10. Personal Memoirs    11. Tree planters (Persons)    12. Trees & Forests - General    13. Women    14. Women conservationists    15. Women politicians    16. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Reviews (3)

Reviews, anyone?
This is an excellent textbook, one that I have used in two of my Environmental Science classes (namely, Environmental Problems of Man [Bio 11], and Energy for the Future [Envi Sci 1].) While not completely without bias (which is mostly subtle, and not totally incorrect), the book offers a solid introduction to many environmental issues. The introduction chapter of the textbook states that environmental science is interdisciplinary, and the book is laid out accordingly. Chapters run the gamut from biology, chemisty, simple physics, and pure ecological common sense. An excellent purchase for any serious scientist and/or conscientious environmentalist.

hmm
I'm kinda dissappointed because the seller stated that this book is hardcovered. But when I received it, it was copied and paperback.

Required Reading
I bought this book for my class because it was cheaper at Amazon than at my school's bookstore.(shipping was cheaper too!)It's not an exciting read, but has some valuable information about how us humans are ruining the Earth with our SUVs and abuse of fossil fuels. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Development - Sustainable Development    2. Environmental Science    3. Environmental Studies    4. Environmental policy    5. Environmental sciences    6. Human ecology    7. Life Sciences - General    8. Science    9. Science/Mathematics    10. Science / Environmental Science   

Editorial Review

Working in his garden one day, Michael Pollan hit pay dirt in the form of an idea: do plants, he wondered, use humans as much as we use them? While the question is not entirely original, the way Pollan examines this complex coevolution by looking at the natural world from the perspective of plants is unique. The result is a fascinating and engaging look at the true nature of domestication.Read more

Reviews (125)

Readable copy and interesting hypothesis.
A long book on botany if you are up to it. For a more compact and lively study try The Story of the Apple.

An engaging piece of practical history

A Three Hundred Page Sleeping Pill
I was given three months to read this book, and each time I picked it up I threw it down in disgust.Between the none-stop Johnny Appleseed referances to the Collegian's Guide to Growing Pot, it is amazing I got through it.I am convinced he was once a Columbian drug lord. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ecology    2. Gardening / Horticulture    3. History    4. Human-plant relationships    5. Life Sciences - Botany    6. Nature    7. Plants    8. Plants - General    9. Science/Mathematics    10. Nature / Plants   

Reviews (2)

The Ansel Adams of Color Photography!
Galen Rowell pioneered "participatory (wilderness) photography," in which the photographer becomes an active creative participant in fine-art image making. An accomplished outdoorsman and adventurer, his deep emotional connection to nature pervades virtually all of his photographs. Another signature characteristic is his vivid use of color during the "magic hour" (at sunrise and sunset); indeed, it is arguably true that Rowell was as much a "master of color" as Ansel Adams was a master of black & white. (It is fitting that he received the Ansel Adams Award for his contributions to the art of wilderness photography in 1984.) The life of this extraordinary artist was cut tragically short in 2002 when the plane carrying Rowell and his wife (Barbara Rowell, herself an accomplished photographer) crashed as they were both returning home from a Workshop in the Sierra Mountains.
Nice for Galen Rowell Fans
Coming around 4 years after the untimely death of Galen and his wife Barbara, this book does not disappoint those who enjoyed his photography. I certainly do and have for many years. This book contains a lot of photos (over 175) from early stuff to photos from his last expedition for Nat Geo. Divided into 7 main sections, you will see many of the most famous of his photos but what I like is that there are photos in there I was not familiar with. I have nearly all of his books so I like seeing stuff I have not seen before. For instance a few climbing photos of Ron Kauk and Lynn Hill, or one of 2 skiers descending the Ruth glacier in Alaska, or one from Lake Powell. Also nice are the little spot essays of some of the photos such as one by his daughter Nicole about the Lynx photo from Alaska. I'm not sure the printing of the book is of superior quality. Some of the colors seem off and a lot of grain shows up. That really is my only complaint. I am very happy to have this book, although I would rather see photos from his latest expeditions instead of a retrospective.This book is certainly worth the money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions    3. Environmental Conservation & Protection - General    4. General    5. Individual Photographer    6. Nature photography    7. Outdoor photography    8. Photo Techniques    9. Photography    10. Art / General    11. The Arts: General Issues   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (105)

Amazing
This is one of those books that will leave you amazed at what you didn't know.Life on our continent before Columbus was so much more than I had ever realized before books like Mann's and the Jarrod Diamond's work.
Life Before Columbus
Much of history is written from a Euro centric perspective.And why not?History is written by winners.Europe was the home of the industrial revolution.It was therefore inevitable that the dominance that this created would serve to produce its own history.
Terrific
The other reviewers have admirably summarized this book. It is a wonderful compilation of current thinking on the history of the Americas before the Europeans.
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Subjects:  1. Americas (North Central South West Indies)    2. Ecology    3. History    4. History - General History    5. History: World    6. Native American    7. Native Americans - History    8. North American    9. History / Native American   

Reviews (58)

The Gathering Heat
It has been estimated that the earth was formed about 4.5 billion years ago and that human beings have inhabited the planet only about 10 to 12 thousand years - ever since the thawing of the last ice age. During our relatively brief time on this planet, we have been fortunate to enjoy moderate temperatures. However, according to Tim Flannery as well as many other students of climate science, the consumption of fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and wood is releasing so much carbon dioxide into the atmosphere that the earth is now warmer than anytime in the last 650,000 years. This is common knowledge to people who read and listen to the news. What is interesting about Flannery's well-written and well-researched book is that he describes in detail the consequences of a few degrees in temperature rise. If the earth's temperature rises a few degrees thousands of species and ecosystems will die, a few more still and it will kill off the human race.
Another book on global warming?You bet!
I was a bit skeptical picking this book up, as this looks like just another book on climate change, and written by an Australian to boot.I gave it a chance, and was impressed.
The future is in our hands
Here is a well-written, factual, easy-to-read book on how we are affecting our planet and the urgency for all of us to change our ways.Everyone should read this book and take note of the great impact we have on our planet and what we can do to abate the destruction we are leaving in our wake.This book will change how you live your life forever. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Climate Changes    2. Climatic changes    3. Earth Sciences - Meteorology & Climatology    4. Environmental Conservation & Protection - General    5. Environmental Science    6. Global warming    7. Nature    8. Science    9. Science/Mathematics    10. Weather    11. Nature / Environmental Conservation & Protection   

Reviews (10)

Useful and interesting - STRONGLY RECOMMENDED
Despite the intimidating name and size of this tome, I found it fascinating to read. It covers everything from light bulb selection to rooftop chiller maintenance. The depth and breath of coverage is amazing.
Superlative! A must have!
Superlative! �The ENERGY EFFICIENCY MANUAL by Donald Wulfinghoff is a "must have" for professionals, libraries, facility managers, policy makers, homeowners, and anyone else who is serious about saving energy and cashing in on lower energy bills.It is the ultimate energy saving resource for businesses, industry, and government.PLUS, it will save money and reduce pollution, satisfying corporate bottom lines, policy makers, and environmentalists all at the same time.This book is unique.Highly informative, illustration-rich, and user-friendly, it is treasure trove of everything you need to know about energy efficiency from A to Z. Don't bother looking elsewhere --the ENERGY EFFICIENCY MANUAL simply has it all.This book will pay for itself almost as fast as you can spot a hot air leak or install an energy-efficient light bulb! A secret weapon for the energy auditor
As an energy auditor I'd almost call the Energy Efficiency Manual a secret weapon, except it has so many good ideas that I can't help but show it to many of the customers and prospective customers I meet. The diagrams are very useful, as is the self contained but well cross-referenced way in which each improvement measure has been written. For example, talking to the maintenance manager of a hospital, we looked at the diagrams of hot/cold deck multi-zone systems while discussing the pros and cons of upgrading a constant volume air conditioning system to a variable volume system. It is by far the most useful book on energy management that I have ever read (well, in the case of the Energy Efficiency Manual, that I have partially read - its an enormously large book!), and the ratings of each of the measures are particularly useful, along with the practical, no-nonsense approach. The book is extremely well cross referenced and Wulfinghoff has covered an enormous body of knowledge in writing the book. As someone fairly new to the field I'm grateful that he went to the effort of documenting and making available his knowledge and 30 odd years experience in the Energy Efficiency Manual. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - General    2. Construction - Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning    3. Energy Resources Conservation    4. Energy conservation    5. Energy consumption    6. Engineering - Civil    7. Engineering - Mechanical    8. Handbooks, manuals, etc    9. House & Home / Design & Construction    10. Nature / Environmental Conservation & Protection    11. Production & Operations Management    12. Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings    13. Science/Mathematics    14. Technology    15. Technology & Industrial Arts    16. Architecture    17. Building construction & materials    18. Construction    19. Environment    20. Industry & Industrial Studies    21. The Environment   

Reviews (12)

A significant rallying cry for Geographers, who appear academically lost in 'space'
Those earth systems scientists involved in global change modelling, andgeographers willing to dab at policy, would benefit from examining Lovelock's pedictions for thefuture state of our planet as we fail to stop carbon emissions.The most significant part of the book (for a geographer): Lovelock predicts climate change will force mass migrations as portions of continents rapidly become inhospitable to our species.
Seperating Scientist from Environmentalist
Excellent book which really pushes the urgency of global warming based on science. It's too late for sustained development. The case is made for nuclear power and how that might be the only technology that can save the planet. A must read for a scientific view of man's damage to the planet -- not an environmentalist view.

winter
There are many wise people sounding warnings but no one of great consequence making an urgent stand and bravely attempting to lead the essential battle. Terrorism is the thorn of a rose compared to environmental catastrophe. We should fight to save the world with a religious zeal. But where is the call to arms? Al Gore needs to run for president because the prophet of doom role, really, doesn't do anyone any good. Knowledge doesn't keep you alive. I rather see humanity make a mistake trying to rescue the planet than take no action at all. Why is everyone asleep? What then shall we do? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Climate Changes    2. Climatic changes    3. Earth Sciences - Meteorology & Climatology    4. Environmental Science    5. Environmental Studies    6. Gaia hypothesis    7. Global warming    8. Science    9. Science/Mathematics    10. Chemical pollution   

Reviews (1)

Great Guide
I studied a structural engineering in college & have no background in hydraulics, but somehow ended up in site-planning. My mentor left my firm & I was left on my own to struggle through drainage designs. This book has been a great complement to the guidelines & regulations I have, and has helped understand the theory behind all the computer based calculations I run. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Design and construction    2. Engineering - Civil    3. Engineering - Hydraulic    4. Environmental Engineering & Technology    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Sewage Disposal And Treatment    8. Sewer design    9. Storm sewers    10. Technology    11. Technology & Industrial Arts    12. Technology / Engineering / Civil    13. Water industries    14. Water supply & treatment   

Reviews (2)

The biblia
This is a book that everyone who works with water analysis have to buy.

Easly Understood by Geochemists
The "Standard Methods" is very well understood even for those in the non-Chemistry area that deals with environmental chemistry/geochemistry of natural waters. Besides the analytical work, many important aspects related to sampling and data interpretation are there. The 2005 Edition makes these tasks much easier. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Environmental Engineering & Technology    2. Medical / Nursing    3. Public Health    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Technology   

Editorial Review

Bestselling historian Douglas Brinkley, a professor at Tulane University, lived through the destruction of Hurricane Katrina with his fellow New Orleans residents, and now in Read more

Reviews (73)

The Great Deluge--Great but tragic
Having becoming acquainted with Mr. Brinkley via the tv interview--I knew I must read this book. Having read of the overwhelming sorrows and heartbreaks of this storm, I am now very disallusioned with many of our higher ranking government officials, the first being Michael Chertoff and not stopping at his level either. To really get an accurate fix on what happened with katrina, this book is a must read.

Too opinionated!
If you hate President Bush, you'll love this book.But if you are seeking a true historical account (which the book does not contain unfortunately) of a major disaster without all the left-wing editorial padding, skip this book.

CRESENT CITY
Douglas Brinkley loves New Orleans and you can feel his pain for his beloved city in every page.This is a man who wants New Orleans to come back better, as a city that works and where corruption is not rampant and he spells out what went wrong and what can be done to make New Orleans whole again.It is a well written, tough love letter to the city and I hope everyone in New Orleans reads this.I am very familiar with the city and I am very skeptical, especially when they reelected Mayor Nagin, that is old New Orleans, it's really up to the city because if they are not willing to change the culture of corruption and institutional poverty, then the city will end up a Savannah..a quaint strange town of no real national importance..what a fate for one of the great American cities.Come on, New Orleans..look to Houston, Atlanta, and Dallas..those cities work and that is where your middle and upper middle class live now..if you want them back you'll have to change if not..your looking at Galveston, Louisiana... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Disaster relief    2. Gulf Coast (U.S.)    3. History - U.S.    4. Hurri