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ben_sch's review against another edition
3.0
A political book to convince members of his group (environmentalists) to be more more pro-science.
ifoundtheme's review against another edition
4.0
This book basically sums up the climate-related opinions I hold, with references to back up the impressions. The author, like me, seems to hold the opinions in the form of "based on my best information, this seems like the current preferred course, but I would like to be convinced of other scenarios".
You could get most of the opinions by reading a synopsis (nuclear & GMOs: useful, unscientific fervor from any party: deleterious). But Brand's writing is concise and entertaining (especially the last chapter) so you may as well read the whole thing.
You could get most of the opinions by reading a synopsis (nuclear & GMOs: useful, unscientific fervor from any party: deleterious). But Brand's writing is concise and entertaining (especially the last chapter) so you may as well read the whole thing.
squirrelfish's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. Some of the things he said I started off agreeing with (re: nuclear power), some of the things I started off greatly disagreeing with (re: genetic engineering) but he said a lot of things worth considering. I will definitely regard the issue of GE differently, and think of his points, even if I still end up disagreeing. He makes a great argument for rethinking some of environmentalists long-held positions.
The book is placed as an engineers approach to climate-change - the crisis as a solvable problem. He doesn't propose concrete answers but instead he proposes a tool-box of methods. I enjoyed the anecdotes about the progression of science and approaches to local challenges around the world. I was amazed at the number and breadth of sources he cites and examples of work being done. From Indonesian rice-patties to African staple crops and personal work against invasive weeds in the Bay Area his knowledge of the challenges facing human habitats is informative.
I am not convinced that these methods are all perfect, I am convinced they deserve another look by environmentalists rather than being dismissed out of hand.
The major technologies/concepts he pushes to help the environment are: urbanization, nuclear power, genetic engineering, and investigating geo-engineering.
The book is placed as an engineers approach to climate-change - the crisis as a solvable problem. He doesn't propose concrete answers but instead he proposes a tool-box of methods. I enjoyed the anecdotes about the progression of science and approaches to local challenges around the world. I was amazed at the number and breadth of sources he cites and examples of work being done. From Indonesian rice-patties to African staple crops and personal work against invasive weeds in the Bay Area his knowledge of the challenges facing human habitats is informative.
I am not convinced that these methods are all perfect, I am convinced they deserve another look by environmentalists rather than being dismissed out of hand.
The major technologies/concepts he pushes to help the environment are: urbanization, nuclear power, genetic engineering, and investigating geo-engineering.
queenvalaska's review against another edition
5.0
This book is fantastic. I wish it was more widely circulated among environmentalists. In fact, if you call yourself an environmentalist or care about the impact of Climate Change then add this book to your 2021 TBR.
candireads's review
5.0
I especially enjoyed 'Whole Earth Discipline' because it highlighted just how diverse geography is as a subject. Although primarily focusing on ecological issues and solutions, Brand touched upon a variety of topics meaning there was something for everyone. A chapter I found particularly interesting was the debate over nuclear power. Not knowing much about nuclear power beforehand, I realised when reading this book that my preconceived ideas of nuclear had been extremely one-sided. 'Whole Earth Discipline' has allowed me to gain a new perspective on the matter and consider the argument that nuclear power may have the potential to satisfy energy demands without increasing carbon emissions.
I think this is a book that everyone who lives on the planet should read.
I think this is a book that everyone who lives on the planet should read.
wunderbread384's review
3.0
Pretty interesting, but a little long for the material. Could have been about half the length and still as good.
satyridae's review
4.0
I loved this book for a lot of reasons, but perhaps the thing I loved best about it is how Brand examined his convictions and compared them to the latest and best factual evidence he could find and changed his mind. And that's what science means to me, that continual re-evaluation of things we think we know. The ability to change one's belief system so profoundly at Brand's age is a thing of beauty, and I admire him for it.
I found the subjects he covers in this book to be very interesting. His arguments are convincing. I was already pretty pro-gene manipulation before reading this, but I had retained my knee-jerk 1970s ere bias against nuclear power. It's one of those perception bending books. No doubt some of Brand's positions will need to be re-thought in the future, but he's up for that. I had never really thought about cities and how they work, so that part was fresh for me, too.
I loved the concept that we really don't need to plan for things that last a thousand thousand years (nuclear waste storage, f'rinstance), but rather we should trust future generations a little more. We need to come up with a perfectly safe and doable hundred year plan, and let engineers engineer new and better solutions between now and then. Technology will step up to that plate. It's hubris to think that we know better than our children's children's children will.
The more you know, the less you fear. Highly recommended.
I found the subjects he covers in this book to be very interesting. His arguments are convincing. I was already pretty pro-gene manipulation before reading this, but I had retained my knee-jerk 1970s ere bias against nuclear power. It's one of those perception bending books. No doubt some of Brand's positions will need to be re-thought in the future, but he's up for that. I had never really thought about cities and how they work, so that part was fresh for me, too.
I loved the concept that we really don't need to plan for things that last a thousand thousand years (nuclear waste storage, f'rinstance), but rather we should trust future generations a little more. We need to come up with a perfectly safe and doable hundred year plan, and let engineers engineer new and better solutions between now and then. Technology will step up to that plate. It's hubris to think that we know better than our children's children's children will.
The more you know, the less you fear. Highly recommended.