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anarcho_zymurgist's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.25
It's nice to hear Chomsky and Pollin's thoughts on the subject, but there's little here that hasn't been said before. I also don't think the interview style of the book helps.
carinthia72's review against another edition
4.0
This is what I've been looking for - a practical roadmap for how the world can achieve net zero global emissions by 2050, presented in an easily understandable format, and written without overly complex economic jargon. In the political sphere, both sides of this argument tend to oversimplify the issue; one arguing it will lead to massive job creation, the other that it will lead to the destruction of all jobs everywhere - but I wanted to read something that could give me a fairly good working knowledge of the true cost-benefit analysis of such a massive economic & lifestyle shift, and specific ways nations could begin to make it happen.
I was pleasantly surprised, as well, to find that Chomsky and Pollin address the topic of how wealthy western countries are by far the most culpable in the current climate crisis, and emphasize their obligation to support less developed nations overcome some of the challenges they face in converting to clean energy. Expecting developing nations, which struggle to feed and house their populations, to somehow suddenly electrify rural areas with wind and/or solar power is ridiculous, especially when the urgent need to do so rests pretty squarely on the shoulders of the world's historical colonialist nations.
My only complaint here is that Chomsky occasionally devolves into a kind of despair with regards to the chances the world will actually succeed in averting climatological disaster (an outlook I can sort of understand given that the book was written during Trump's reign, um, I mean, term). I don't need all that negativity, though; I can handle that bit myself. Don't show me what's possible, then point out that we're probably screwed anyway.
Otherwise, a great introduction to what is a complex and often thorny but vitally necessary topic.
I was pleasantly surprised, as well, to find that Chomsky and Pollin address the topic of how wealthy western countries are by far the most culpable in the current climate crisis, and emphasize their obligation to support less developed nations overcome some of the challenges they face in converting to clean energy. Expecting developing nations, which struggle to feed and house their populations, to somehow suddenly electrify rural areas with wind and/or solar power is ridiculous, especially when the urgent need to do so rests pretty squarely on the shoulders of the world's historical colonialist nations.
My only complaint here is that Chomsky occasionally devolves into a kind of despair with regards to the chances the world will actually succeed in averting climatological disaster (an outlook I can sort of understand given that the book was written during Trump's reign, um, I mean, term). I don't need all that negativity, though; I can handle that bit myself. Don't show me what's possible, then point out that we're probably screwed anyway.
Otherwise, a great introduction to what is a complex and often thorny but vitally necessary topic.
saskiacb's review against another edition
4.0
Incredibly informative and good for the layperson (like me). I like that this included a clear outline and strategy for funding a Global Green New Deal, even though the numbers went somewhat over my head; the main message of the urgency of our climate crisis was enforced on every page with clarity that there is no planet b and we must start acting now- that everyone has their part to play and we cannot leave action up to any one person or country.
This Green New Deal emphasises raising mass living standards, fighting poverty and expanding job opportunities; it provides the framework for a just transition process that will aid the poorest and most disadvantaged populations through rebates, etc.
Though it does miss many intersections (which they make note of themselves), this feels like one book in a stack of necessary reading, and I am sure I will come back to it again and again.
This Green New Deal emphasises raising mass living standards, fighting poverty and expanding job opportunities; it provides the framework for a just transition process that will aid the poorest and most disadvantaged populations through rebates, etc.
Though it does miss many intersections (which they make note of themselves), this feels like one book in a stack of necessary reading, and I am sure I will come back to it again and again.
hberg95's review against another edition
3.0
Overall, I felt like the book was an interesting read, but most of the book was spent establishing the severity of the climate crisis of which I am already pretty well aquainted. I really liked the last couple sections where Chomsky and Pollin explain their working solutions for the problems we're facing, especially the question of how a Green New Deal walks the line between capitalism and socialism.
misterfix's review against another edition
3.0
I'm giving this book four stars as the content is strong and I want people to read it but the thing is it's really only 3 1/2 stars because of Chomsky. Huh, but you really like and appreciate Chomsky Fix, what's the deal?
I get it, Noam Chomsky's name helps sell books plus he knows his stuff and can really get to taking about the corporate welfare state & injustices and international crimes of the US; spoiler, there is no shortage. But I would have MUCH preferred if this book was by Pollin along with a real life climate scientist, perhaps with a familiarity/background in economics and international relations.
Mr. Pollin is fully capable of elucidating all of the salient points that Chomsky made and it world have been a better book if there was an authoritative, scientific voice presenting the issues related to climate disruption. Heck, Chomsky could have done the intro and they could have put his name in bold on the cover, though it's a disservice to Pollin either way as is since he had more content and his input was more on point yet he gets the smaller font - he needs a new agent.
Argh, only as I'm writing this did I look at the actual cover of the dang book and notice that Chomsky's name is bigger than Pollin's. Ugh!
I get it, Noam Chomsky's name helps sell books plus he knows his stuff and can really get to taking about the corporate welfare state & injustices and international crimes of the US; spoiler, there is no shortage. But I would have MUCH preferred if this book was by Pollin along with a real life climate scientist, perhaps with a familiarity/background in economics and international relations.
Mr. Pollin is fully capable of elucidating all of the salient points that Chomsky made and it world have been a better book if there was an authoritative, scientific voice presenting the issues related to climate disruption. Heck, Chomsky could have done the intro and they could have put his name in bold on the cover, though it's a disservice to Pollin either way as is since he had more content and his input was more on point yet he gets the smaller font - he needs a new agent.
Argh, only as I'm writing this did I look at the actual cover of the dang book and notice that Chomsky's name is bigger than Pollin's. Ugh!
itskatiekoalafiednerd's review against another edition
4.0
An equivalence of a Stephen King’s novel, but in this scenario, it is reality.
I think everyone should probably read this book.
Actual rating: 4.2/5 ☆
I think everyone should probably read this book.
Actual rating: 4.2/5 ☆