Hot, Flat and Repetetive

Thomas Friedman plays on the title of his previous bestseller "The World is Flat" to make "Hot, Flat, and Crowded" sound like a sequel. Given that it is on President Obama's summer reading list, it moves up a few rungs on the influential ladder, but really this book just summarizes some really good and progressive ideas that have been floating around for several years. Friedman obviously has access to some pretty amazing sources, and he pumps this book choc-a-bloc full of quotes and stats from "experts" in the field.
He breaks down the climate change crisis into a five aspect analysis which is interesting, especially the chapter on US dependence on petrochemical producing dictatorships. However while expanding on each aspect, he tends to repeat the same point ad infinitum. Basically, what should have been one or two chapters become five in his book .:(
If you get past the monotony of the repetitions and redundant phrases, he does propose some interesting solutions to the climate crisis. I especially like his commentary on the smart grid, energy conservation, and the challenge to the developed world to lead by example rather than dictating environmental standards to the developing world. He does not go into much details about the unique challenges faced by governments in India and China who seek to alleviate millions out of poverty through development, and how to do this in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Overall, the book brings much needed attention to a critical, if not potentially catastrophic issue for our times. It should, however have been half its current size after editing, and is somewhat poorly written given the stature of its author. It may be read by intellectuals like Obama, but may be too exhausting for the people who need to read it the most- the energy gorging average Amercian who drives an SUV, and think that climate change may or may not be real!