The World's Best Book Summaries
What is the oil curse? Why is having an abundance of oil a detriment to a country rather than a money-maker? In her book Burnout, Rachel Maddow explains why countries rich in oil are usually stricken with poverty. She discusses Equatorial Guinea, the United States, and Russia. Continue reading to learn how the oil curse can afflict a nation.
How accurate are climate predictions? How likely are we to meet our global climate goals? Vaclav Smil claims that it’s difficult, if not impossible, to make accurate predictions about global warming. That’s true even for those with extensive experience and knowledge on the topic. It’s also difficult, if not impossible, to meet current IPCC limits on warming. Read more to learn why global climate goals are so difficult to reach.
Is there a climate crisis? Is climate alarmism called for? Who and what is to be believed? Even though it’s becoming more widely accepted that climate change is real, questions remain. We’re struggling to find answers, much less consensus, on what steps we should take, whether they’ll be enough, and how drastic the environmental situation really is. Keep reading for an assessment of the climate situation from award-winning science writer Michael Shellenberger.
How have Russia’s oil and gas industries made the country a superpower? In what ways has Putin taken advantage of them? In her book Blowout, Rachel Maddow claims President Vladimir Putin used Russia’s energy companies to manipulate other countries. She argues that he’s created a monopoly that relies on illegal and corrupt practices. Keep reading to learn about Putin’s control of Russia’s energy resources.
How costly are nuclear power plants? Can they keep up with growing energy demands? How safe are they? We can’t get away from our dependence on energy. Michael Shellenberger argues that nuclear is the way to go. He explains the benefits of nuclear power and addresses the reservations and misconceptions many people have about it. Read on to understand Shellenberger’s argument for nuclear power, and see whether you’re convinced.
Is it possible to stop corruption in the energy industry? Is there a way for energy companies to improve the countries they’re in, rather than destroy them? In Blowout, journalist and MSNBC commentator Rachel Maddow exposes the corruption and exploitation in the oil and gas industry. At the end of her book, Maddow suggests a few solutions to the problem, including increasing taxes on energy companies. Keep reading to learn how the world can fix the energy industry.
Is Russia a superpower? How did Russia make Europe dependent on it for oil? Rachel Maddow writes in her book Blowout that Russia is an energy superpower in Europe. Thanks to this, Russia gained the ability to manipulate several countries by cutting off their supply of gas. Keep reading for a look at how Russia dominated Europe with energy.
Why is it more expensive to build nuclear power plants in the US than in other places? Is the anti-nuclear movement doing more harm than good? According to award-winning science writer Michael Shellenberger, nuclear power is the solution for the foreseeable future when it comes to our ever-growing demands for energy. In Apocalypse Never, he makes the case for nuclear energy and explains who’s standing in the way. Read more to learn Shellenberger’s take on the nuclear power issue.
What is the Tennessee drag ban? Is it unconstitutional or necessary? What are some criticisms of the ban? Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a bill into law that bans drag shows in public or in front of children, which has since been temporarily blocked by a federal judge. This move has sparked controversy and raised questions about LGBTQ+ rights, artistic freedom, and child protection laws. Read on to learn about the Tennessee drag ban and the ongoing debate surrounding the bill.
What are the four cycles of history? Based on recent American history, does the “four Turning” theory hold water? In The Fourth Turning, William Strauss and Neil Howe explain that human history is characterized by a cyclical progression through four “Turnings.” The First Turning is a High, the Second Turning is an Awakening, the Third Turning is an Unraveling, and the Fourth Turning is a Crisis. Read on to learn what characterizes each Turning; how the most recent First, Second, and Third Turnings played out; and the authors’ predictions for the next Fourth Turning.