Field Notes : Chapters 9-10

"Ten percent challenge" -- "Put the chill on global warming."

If the world were to be more enthusiastic about reducing greenhouse gas emissions like Burlington, Vermont,-- "Deconstruction," leasing fluorescent light bulbs, wind turbines running on renewable sources, turning waste sites in community gardens and set environmental principles (US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement -- we would have a chance to take control of our own destiny. Trying to change a world is not easy and many things NEED to be done, but we're beginning to enter the era "Anthropocene." I agree, humans cannot be trusted to do the "the right thing." Kolbert concludes the book on a pessimistic note by simply implying if humans continue to indulge in their self-interests, the Earth's climate will spiral out of control. She uses Burlington (good) and China (evil) as perfect examples of the efforts being put in towards the challenge to overcome global warming.

"What's the point of going to alot of trouble if, in the end, your efforts won't make a difference?"

I enjoyed the book, despite the slow beginning. Kolbert introduced new ideas and her themes varied throughout the book. She sourced plenty of credible facts and the book contained great quotes (memorable quotes) from professionals. Humans need to be more aware of our actions contributing to the massive release of carbon in the atmosphere. Kolbert closes the book making the point, The world must unite as one in order to slow down the catastrophe -- change is contagious. Throughout the whole book she writes as a unbiased field reporter, but in her last chapter, she decided to finally give her own opinion.

Kolbert writes (p. 189), "It may seem impossible to imagine that a technologically advanced society could choose, in essence, to destroy itself, but that is what we are now in the process of doing."

Field Notes From a Catastrophe is an example of great science writing -- informative, relevant, accurate sources and clear, even if it was somewhat dry at times. People living in modern industrialized countries take basic needs for granted -- food, water, shelter. I give the book three stars.

"If every single town and city in the United States were to match efforts that Burlington has made, Kolbert says,the aggregate savings would amount to 1.3 billion tons of carbon the next several decades." (p. 179)