The paper under consideration is ‘An Energy Revolution for the Greenhouse Century’ by Martin Hoffert. From the very beginning of the article, the reader’s attention to the urgency of solving the problem of global warming is drawn through the proverbs and quotations the author suggests before the main text starts. Then, Hoffert gives a summary of the existing knowledge on the problem of global warming from the buildup of fossil fuel carbon. The facts are supplied with the author’s remarks and explanations which contributes to a better understanding of the topic under analysis. We cannot but admit the importance of the Figures that the author has used – they offer a visual presentation of the topic discussed.
Speaking about the weak points of the article we should say that it is more concerned with discussing the current politics in terms of the global warming problem, whereas, presenting a more detailed explanation of concrete ways out from the situation that happens nowadays seems to be more appropriate. Still, the ideas suggested by the author seem to bring closer the day when humanity will get to know how to solve climate/energy problems.
In general, the article sounds optimistic and inspires further research by the reader. Possible questions for further research are:
- To what extent is the problem of global warming politicized and how does it influence finding solutions to the problem?
- Is Will creating renewable energy portfolios with ambitious targets for alternate energy by states in the United States help solve the problem of global warming?
- What are the most effective ways to involve students in pursuing careers in science and engineering?
- How may the public’s attention to the problem of global warming be drawn?
Going by the author the further research should answer the following questions:
- Are there technologies likely to lead to a low-carbon world in time and still allow global GDP to continue growing 2 to 3 percent per year?
- What global energy systems should we be aiming at?
- Can we get there in time? (Hoffert, 2006, p. 988)
The reader is encouraged both to check the validity of the author’s ideas and to suggest one’s view on the problem discussed.
References
Hoffert, M. (2006). An energy revolution for the greenhouse century. Social Research, 73(33), 981-1000.
Hoffert, M. et al. (1998). Energy implications of future stabilization of atmosphericCO2 content. Web.