Hot, Flat and Crowded (Review and Analysis of Friedman's Book)

By BusinessNews Publishing

The must-read summary of Thomas Friedman's book: "Hot, Flat and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution – and How It Can Renew America".

This complete summary of the ideas from Thomas Friedman's book "Hot, Flat and Crowded" shows that we are at a nexus of global warming (hot), globalisation, which means an affluent middle class wants to enjoy success, even at environmental expense (flat) and population growth (crowded). Green solutions are the only way all three of these issues can be resolved satisfactorily. It’s also a huge commercial opportunity: the replacement of fossil fuels is a golden business opportunity. Friedman believes we need to declare a “code green” to stimulate industry, education and science in pursuit of environmental goals. In short, as Friedman says, “this is not about the whales anymore. It’s about us.” This summary explains how we got the current situation, and the most effective ways we need to move forward. Environmental awareness needs to be a society norm; there needs to be incentives for individuals to build their own mini-arcs, rather than rely on federal measures. It also shows that not taking opportunities now will prove to be both environmentally and economically disastrous: the nation that embraces green technology innovation will be the world superpower for generations to come. 

Added-value of this summary: 
• Save time 
• Understand the key concepts 
• Increase your business knowledge 

To learn more, read "Hot, Flat and Crowded" and understand how we got to the current situation.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Business Book Summaries
• Release date: Feb 15, 2013
• ISBN: 9782806246660

Book preview

Book Presentation

Hot, Flat And Crowded by Thomas Friedman

Book Abstract

About the Author

Important Note About This Ebook

Summary of Hot, Flat And Crowded (Thomas Friedman)

1. Where are we today?

2. How we got here

3. How do we move forward from here?

4. The two economic powerhouses – China and the United States of America

Book Abstract

MAIN IDEA

Three trends have combined to create some very powerful dynamics which will profoundly shape the future of human civilization:

Hot – Global warming – the man made climate effects which are resulting in some genuinely bizarre climate effects worldwide.

Flat – Globalization – the rise of an affluent middle class anxious to enjoy the fruits of success, even if it hurts the environment.

Crowded – Population growth – humanity’s ongoing and relentless expansion sustained by medical advances and more.

The only way these challenges will be addressed satisfactorily is if a fundamentally newer and greener way to produce and use energy is developed and then deployed worldwide. This is the biggest single peacetime project humankind will have ever undertaken. It also creates a huge commercial opportunity for the United States of America. If America can seize the initiative and come up with the new green energy sources which will replace fossil fuels, not only will the country’s own economy expand but it will also solidify the United States’ position as a business superpower.

The time is ripe for the United States to focus on the challenge of building a completely green power infrastructure. This is an incredible opportunity to create investment opportunities, generate new jobs and solidify global leadership.

"I am convinced that the best way forward for America to solve its big problem – the best way for America to get its ‘groove’ back – is for us to take the lead in solving the world’s big problem. In a world that’s getting hot, flat and crowded, the task of creating the tools, systems, energy sources, and ethics that will allow the planet to grow in cleaner, more sustainable ways is going to