'Written in a simple style that even Americans can understand. I hadn't known that this was a kiddie book.

Highly recommended. ( )

Like the movie of the same title, this book is Al Gore's vehicle for bringing the issue of global warming to the attention of the public. Using powerful color photographs, maps or diagrams on every page, Gore has simplified the science behind the global warming crisis. He describes in plain language the causes and effects of global warming, and places responsibility for both causing the problem and creating solutions on the U.S. and other technologically advanced nations. He ends on a hopeful note with advances in solar, wind and geothermal power, and small things individuals can do to personally reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. Gore has taken himself 'out of the picture' here - putting the focus on the message, and making it accessible to (middle and high school) students and adults in this straightforward and attractive book. ( )

What I liked most about this book is that it is plain spoken. Mr. Gore gets straight to the point about global warming. Excellent photo's in the book also. ( )

The market has spoken: Climate change and global warming are real! (Thanks Stephen Colbert for the line!) The book is companion to the eponymous movie and follows the same powerpoint, complete with photos etc. Gore plainly outlines the scientific evidence that has led to the conclusion that climates have been changing around the world. This book and the movie, mark a sea change in public opinion regarding climate and human interactions with it. ( )

I wanted to read An Inconvenient Truth again now that climate change is a more mainstream topic and the hoopla over the movie has passed. My reread reminded me of how moving I found Al Gore's personal story and how inspiring I found his view that the climate crisis "offers us the chance to experience what very few generations in history have had the privilege of knowing: a generational mission; the exhilaration of a compelling moral purpose, a shared and unifying cause; the thrill of being forced by circumstances to put aside the pettiness and conflict that so often stifle the restless human need for transcendence; the opportunity to rise." While it may strike some as overly dramatic, in light of recent events I find this insight from 2006 eerily prescient.

Often books dealing with environmental issues and current events become quickly dated. An Inconvenient Truth mainly deals with the scientific data behind global warming, laying out the case that human activities are releasing CO2 into the atmosphere, causing global warming and ultimately endangering the natural systems that regulate the planet. All of this data still seems relevant. The book still makes the case for taking action on climate change very eloquently (and convincingly in my opinion) with words, charts and graphs, maps and stunning photographs. Its layout and typography seem fresh and contemporary, but serious and scientific at the same time. It closely mirrors the movie and at times leaves the reader with that same "Powerpoint Overload!!!" feeling. Nonetheless, I find it an excellent presentation overall.

To me, it is the fact that only 20 of 320 pages are devoted to solutions that makes the book seem dated. I like to think that most people who would be inclined to take action on an environmental issue now accept the reality of global warming. The only serious points of debate that remain are about the most expedient and equitable way to do so and the book provides little of relevance to this debate. ( )