The Great Disruption

Why the Climate Crisis Will Bring on the End of Shopping and the Birth of a New World

By: Paul Gilding

Narrated by: Antony Ferguson

From author Paul Gilding comes an unflinching look at the challenges we face as a global climate crisis approaches - and the unique opportunities this crisis presents for moving toward an ethic of sustainability.

©2011 Paul Gilding (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Though Gilding's prose is plain and his sustainability message is unapologetically advocative, he backs up his arguments with plenty of facts and avenues for [listeners] to pursue." ( Library Journal)

Great insights lacking acceptance of human nature

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I would attempt to bring the factual in line with a worldview that is accepting of human nature and our lack of foresight.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The narrator was excellent and seemed genuine.

What about Antony Ferguson’s performance did you like?

I felt like he was the writer and was very taken in by his performance.

Did The Great Disruption inspire you to do anything?

Not really. I feel like it laid a foundation for understanding the climate crisis and will lead to something I will do in the future.

Convincing

Ok, done! Very convincing book. He's a really good writer. One of the things i thought he did really well is to use great metaphors to hammer home his points. For example, he is comparing The Great Disruption to WWII in that people in the US kept denying it was coming our way, but when it did finally come, we were able to mobilize in some unbelievably fast and powerful ways to win that war. He thinks we can do the same in this even bigger battle to save our planet. I hope he's right!


So far my prediction from below is WRONG. I guess I'm about 1/3 of the way through, and it is very well researched and pretty earth shattering, literally. Although it is repetitive and could be shorter, the author really does an excellent job of explaining his theory and supporting it in detail. This is not light weight social commentary! I'm not sure that it would have as much of an impact if it were written as bullet points. It is such a depressing theory that one really needs to be hit over the head with it repeatedly to jog one out of denial. Basically, we are in deep DOO DOO. He is trying to put a positive spin on it, but... well, I'm depressed by it :(

Prediction: I've read only the sample from Amazon so far. My guess is that the sample would have been enough and this is one of those books that should have been a pamphlet or an essay. Oh well; I need to at least check out the full version for my BOOK CLUB. It'll be like homework :( I'm not really looking forward to it.

Enlighten yourself on climate change

Every chapter enriches ones understanding of the innerworkings of society, of history, of ourselves. Helps us understand what we can do as individuals to live more sustainable lives. Helps understanding of economic growth and how this harms humanity more than it helps. Combat poverty and advocate for green living ..... Learn how to "shop less, and live more." This may sound complicated, but the author does an amazing job at taking you step by step; through each chapter you gain greater knowledge and feel empowered to be a part of social change.

His solution is standardized world laws

Paul and I want the same things: More responsible use of our resources. But Paul seems to want us to be in compliance with standardized world laws. He never used the phrase New World Order, but it sure sounds like it to me.


I, on the other hand, would rather employ freedom and personal responsibility. After all, where would we go if we found standardized world laws oppressive?

It seemed that he said the same thing over and over. Maybe this is because I already understand the problems he is addressing. It could be cut way down, I think.

One last thing… The reader pronounces “nuclear” as “nuke - u - lar” which hurts credibility.