Dirty Secret, 19 Sep 2008
I never thought I'd enjoy a book about human waste - but this book has proven that a good author can tell a fascinating story about anything. I think Rose George is very brave for addressing a very unsexy subject -- and the facts are powerful: what good is clean drinking water if 2.6 billion people in this world live in contaminated environments due to their own lack of toilets? This is thought-provoking stuff which - if taken seriously and acted upon - could change the lives of billions...

Food for thought....., 18 Sep 2008
The 'BIG NECESSITY' by Rose George, fearlessly tackles one of the worlds least talked about, yet one of its most important environmental and health issues. The 'BIG NECESSITY' is a journey through the world of human waste where she endeavours to quantify, rationalise and make sense of, how we across the planet choose to dispose of, that which we don't like to talk about. This intelligent, smart and sometimes witty book tackles its subject matter full on and I would 'highly recommend' it to anyone who has a genuine interest in the environment, health and of course public sanitation... a must read !!!!

Real Environmentalism, 18 Sep 2008
Almost as entertaining as it is fascinating. I say almost as I read most of the book in one session whilst stranded on an airport runway for 3 hours. In one sitting (pun intended) the topic does have the unfortunate effect of making one feel slightly nauseous at times.

If only there were more of this kind of reporting/writing about environmental issues, I would take more of an interest. This book puts into context how really serious issues are never dealt with when a nice picture of a poor fluffy polar bear and a "carbon footprint" calculator will do instead.

One can feel the sense of frustration of Rose and the people in the book at just how hard it is to make progress on such an important issue.

Ultimately I am not sure if I am optimistic that work like this will help in finding solutions or whether the book is just a testament to human natures ability to look the other way if problems don't affect them directly.

Dirty Secret, 19 Sep 2008
I never thought I'd enjoy a book about human waste - but this book has proven that a good author can tell a fascinating story about anything. I think Rose George is very brave for addressing a very unsexy subject -- and the facts are powerful: what good is clean drinking water if 2.6 billion people in this world live in contaminated environments due to their own lack of toilets? This is thought-provoking stuff which - if taken seriously and acted upon - could change the lives of billions...

Food for thought....., 18 Sep 2008
The 'BIG NECESSITY' by Rose George, fearlessly tackles one of the worlds least talked about, yet one of its most important environmental and health issues. The 'BIG NECESSITY' is a journey through the world of human waste where she endeavours to quantify, rationalise and make sense of, how we across the planet choose to dispose of, that which we don't like to talk about. This intelligent, smart and sometimes witty book tackles its subject matter full on and I would 'highly recommend' it to anyone who has a genuine interest in the environment, health and of course public sanitation... a must read !!!!

Real Environmentalism, 18 Sep 2008
Almost as entertaining as it is fascinating. I say almost as I read most of the book in one session whilst stranded on an airport runway for 3 hours. In one sitting (pun intended) the topic does have the unfortunate effect of making one feel slightly nauseous at times.

If only there were more of this kind of reporting/writing about environmental issues, I would take more of an interest. This book puts into context how really serious issues are never dealt with when a nice picture of a poor fluffy polar bear and a "carbon footprint" calculator will do instead.

One can feel the sense of frustration of Rose and the people in the book at just how hard it is to make progress on such an important issue.

Ultimately I am not sure if I am optimistic that work like this will help in finding solutions or whether the book is just a testament to human natures ability to look the other way if problems don't affect them directly.

A definite recommend, 14 Nov 2003
This is our course text book for the Environmental Science module of my degree in Building Surveying, if you are interested in buidings (bearing in mind it is a text book) - it is still a pretty good read. For the course I'm studying it is first rate, very concise and clear, the sections we've used most are on the principles of heat, thermal insulation in buildings (U-values etc) and energy use in buildings (thermal comfort etc) it also covers acoustics, light, and water in equal depth. First rate, a definite recommend.

Dirty Secret, 19 Sep 2008
I never thought I'd enjoy a book about human waste - but this book has proven that a good author can tell a fascinating story about anything. I think Rose George is very brave for addressing a very unsexy subject -- and the facts are powerful: what good is clean drinking water if 2.6 billion people in this world live in contaminated environments due to their own lack of toilets? This is thought-provoking stuff which - if taken seriously and acted upon - could change the lives of billions...

Food for thought....., 18 Sep 2008
The 'BIG NECESSITY' by Rose George, fearlessly tackles one of the worlds least talked about, yet one of its most important environmental and health issues. The 'BIG NECESSITY' is a journey through the world of human waste where she endeavours to quantify, rationalise and make sense of, how we across the planet choose to dispose of, that which we don't like to talk about. This intelligent, smart and sometimes witty book tackles its subject matter full on and I would 'highly recommend' it to anyone who has a genuine interest in the environment, health and of course public sanitation... a must read !!!!

Real Environmentalism, 18 Sep 2008
Almost as entertaining as it is fascinating. I say almost as I read most of the book in one session whilst stranded on an airport runway for 3 hours. In one sitting (pun intended) the topic does have the unfortunate effect of making one feel slightly nauseous at times.

If only there were more of this kind of reporting/writing about environmental issues, I would take more of an interest. This book puts into context how really serious issues are never dealt with when a nice picture of a poor fluffy polar bear and a "carbon footprint" calculator will do instead.

One can feel the sense of frustration of Rose and the people in the book at just how hard it is to make progress on such an important issue.

Ultimately I am not sure if I am optimistic that work like this will help in finding solutions or whether the book is just a testament to human natures ability to look the other way if problems don't affect them directly.

A definite recommend, 14 Nov 2003
This is our course text book for the Environmental Science module of my degree in Building Surveying, if you are interested in buidings (bearing in mind it is a text book) - it is still a pretty good read. For the course I'm studying it is first rate, very concise and clear, the sections we've used most are on the principles of heat, thermal insulation in buildings (U-values etc) and energy use in buildings (thermal comfort etc) it also covers acoustics, light, and water in equal depth. First rate, a definite recommend.

Yawn, 26 Oct 2008
I could say that this is a "Whirlwind of a book, transporting the reader into a world of action and adventure"... however I'd be lying.

You buy this book because you have to. However, if you do need to know what the laws and regulations pertaining to water really are, this is your book - and God have mercy on your soul.

Everything you need to know is in here but its layout leaves a huge amount to be desired and it can take eons to actually find the section you want.

Once you have found the relevant section you have to decipher the text, which was definitely influenced by members of the legal profession and as such occasionally makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.


Excellent course book for BPEC Water Regualtions, 28 Jun 2006
We recommended this book for students taking our BPEC Water Regaulations Certifcate here at PPL Plumbing Training in York. The book complements the BPEC course and has clear and helpful digrams. Backflow prevention is well documented and clearly explained - a first class book!


An Excellent And Beautifully Presented Book, 06 Oct 2004
I whole heartedly agree with the previous reviewer. This book is a must for anyone following either the C&G 6129 or NVQ2/3 track. The book very clearly and thoroughly explains the UK water regulations and Scottish (2000) byelaws with superb diagrams in full colour and no legal jargon. This book is a credit to the WRAS scheme, truly excellent.

An essential read for any one studying NVQ level 2 Plumbing., 23 Nov 2001
An informative book and a must have for any body taking NVQ level 2 Plumbing and any plumber in general that wants to keep upto date with the latest Water Regulations.

Dirty Secret, 19 Sep 2008
I never thought I'd enjoy a book about human waste - but this book has proven that a good author can tell a fascinating story about anything. I think Rose George is very brave for addressing a very unsexy subject -- and the facts are powerful: what good is clean drinking water if 2.6 billion people in this world live in contaminated environments due to their own lack of toilets? This is thought-provoking stuff which - if taken seriously and acted upon - could change the lives of billions...

Food for thought....., 18 Sep 2008
The 'BIG NECESSITY' by Rose George, fearlessly tackles one of the worlds least talked about, yet one of its most important environmental and health issues. The 'BIG NECESSITY' is a journey through the world of human waste where she endeavours to quantify, rationalise and make sense of, how we across the planet choose to dispose of, that which we don't like to talk about. This intelligent, smart and sometimes witty book tackles its subject matter full on and I would 'highly recommend' it to anyone who has a genuine interest in the environment, health and of course public sanitation... a must read !!!!

Real Environmentalism, 18 Sep 2008
Almost as entertaining as it is fascinating. I say almost as I read most of the book in one session whilst stranded on an airport runway for 3 hours. In one sitting (pun intended) the topic does have the unfortunate effect of making one feel slightly nauseous at times.

If only there were more of this kind of reporting/writing about environmental issues, I would take more of an interest. This book puts into context how really serious issues are never dealt with when a nice picture of a poor fluffy polar bear and a "carbon footprint" calculator will do instead.

One can feel the sense of frustration of Rose and the people in the book at just how hard it is to make progress on such an important issue.

Ultimately I am not sure if I am optimistic that work like this will help in finding solutions or whether the book is just a testament to human natures ability to look the other way if problems don't affect them directly.

A definite recommend, 14 Nov 2003
This is our course text book for the Environmental Science module of my degree in Building Surveying, if you are interested in buidings (bearing in mind it is a text book) - it is still a pretty good read. For the course I'm studying it is first rate, very concise and clear, the sections we've used most are on the principles of heat, thermal insulation in buildings (U-values etc) and energy use in buildings (thermal comfort etc) it also covers acoustics, light, and water in equal depth. First rate, a definite recommend.

Yawn, 26 Oct 2008
I could say that this is a "Whirlwind of a book, transporting the reader into a world of action and adventure"... however I'd be lying.

You buy this book because you have to. However, if you do need to know what the laws and regulations pertaining to water really are, this is your book - and God have mercy on your soul.

Everything you need to know is in here but its layout leaves a huge amount to be desired and it can take eons to actually find the section you want.

Once you have found the relevant section you have to decipher the text, which was definitely influenced by members of the legal profession and as such occasionally makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.


Excellent course book for BPEC Water Regualtions, 28 Jun 2006
We recommended this book for students taking our BPEC Water Regaulations Certifcate here at PPL Plumbing Training in York. The book complements the BPEC course and has clear and helpful digrams. Backflow prevention is well documented and clearly explained - a first class book!


An Excellent And Beautifully Presented Book, 06 Oct 2004
I whole heartedly agree with the previous reviewer. This book is a must for anyone following either the C&G 6129 or NVQ2/3 track. The book very clearly and thoroughly explains the UK water regulations and Scottish (2000) byelaws with superb diagrams in full colour and no legal jargon. This book is a credit to the WRAS scheme, truly excellent.

An essential read for any one studying NVQ level 2 Plumbing., 23 Nov 2001
An informative book and a must have for any body taking NVQ level 2 Plumbing and any plumber in general that wants to keep upto date with the latest Water Regulations.

Good on Energy Politics (ish), 01 Dec 2008
I think that Heat is unnecessarily alarmist. Asking for a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 is simply silly. Monbiot's suggestions about how to go about it are very interesting and are what gives the book its merit. Energy resources are finite and should be conserved; my problem with Heat is that Monbiot has tacked his thesis onto the Global Warming bandwagon but without providing the science. Chapter 1 suggests that we all subscribe to the theory of man made global warming but, since he clearly feels the science to be a 'given', he declines to provide more than a few throwaway remarks. Chapter 2 is given over to 'climate change deniers'. The usual suspects from the Daily Mail and Exxon, but Monbiot does not seem to feel the need to do more than mock their intellectual inadequacies. And I dislike the use of the word 'deniers'; I do not feel that the debate is over about global warming. Monbiot clearly does.
I think it is a shame that the environment lobby today is assumed to go along with the theory of man made global warming - I think it provides distortions and limits legitimate debate; unlike Monbiot I do not prefer nuclear to coal.

A blueprint for action, 12 Aug 2008
It is a complaint frequently levelled at radicals that they produce no alternatives to the problems they identify. It says a lot about the quality of this book that one of the most commonly heard criticisms is that its research is too detailed and its solutions too thorough. It is clear that alternate political and social structures would make solving climate change easier. Monbiot knows this well but aims his argument at those who have no interest in altering systems of gross injustice at all. The tweaking he proposes, while requiring real political pressure on our part and something of a challenge to entrenched power, will compromise the quality of our lives barely at all. By making an argument of such comprehensivess, subtelty and foresight, he has exposed those who whinge about a sandal-wearing return to the stone age for what they are - arrogant narcissists who would rather shop in Paris and New York than prevent the mass flooding of Bangladesh. Absolutely essential. Read it. Then act.

Worthy, 06 Jul 2008
I have a great deal of admiration for George Monbiot and for his work.

There is a problem for the general non-academic reader with this book, however, since the subject matter demands an earnest approach, complete with minutely researched statistical corroboration. Such worthiness can become daunting and sometimes makes for a slow and difficult read. That is not necessarily a bad thing, of course, but I suspect it might close the book off to the very audience which neeeds to read and absorb it, i.e. the layman.

That said, there is a great deal of value in here; the use of Marlowe's "Dr. Faustus" is a clever but ultimately misplaced leitmotif and the (deliberately?) quirky suggestion that the future of public transport is the coach will be a little diffcult for many to swallow, but those caveats apart, this is one which rewards the effort it demands of the reader.

Well thought out arguments prove what COULD be done!, 20 Dec 2007
Heat is just superb - it achieves exactly what it sets out to do and does so using careful, understandable and well-researched (with sources) arguments. OK, there are people who may disagree with some of the interpretations, but few people could argue AGAINST the facts in this book.

My only problem is that the very people who should be reading it, are the least likely to want to. There's a degree of preaching to the converted (as there is with any book of this ilk), but it does give you the facts and figures to use for yourself.

Well done George Monbiot - you continue to be one of the most respected writers and speakers on what can be done to address climate change.

Great book. Buy it. Read it, 07 Dec 2007
Complex issues explained simply and clearly. Monbiot is a research hero. Everyone I know is getting this for xmas.

I'll be memorising some of the crucial points to counter the inevitable "name a single case..." tactics used by the dishonest debaters in my family - the usual telegaph reading suspects. Can't wait for the chats over christmas lunch. Doubt it'll help the invincibly ignorant. But it'll be amusing for some of us.

Dirty Secret, 19 Sep 2008
I never thought I'd enjoy a book about human waste - but this book has proven that a good author can tell a fascinating story about anything. I think Rose George is very brave for addressing a very unsexy subject -- and the facts are powerful: what good is clean drinking water if 2.6 billion people in this world live in contaminated environments due to their own lack of toilets? This is thought-provoking stuff which - if taken seriously and acted upon - could change the lives of billions...

Food for thought....., 18 Sep 2008
The 'BIG NECESSITY' by Rose George, fearlessly tackles one of the worlds least talked about, yet one of its most important environmental and health issues. The 'BIG NECESSITY' is a journey through the world of human waste where she endeavours to quantify, rationalise and make sense of, how we across the planet choose to dispose of, that which we don't like to talk about. This intelligent, smart and sometimes witty book tackles its subject matter full on and I would 'highly recommend' it to anyone who has a genuine interest in the environment, health and of course public sanitation... a must read !!!!

Real Environmentalism, 18 Sep 2008
Almost as entertaining as it is fascinating. I say almost as I read most of the book in one session whilst stranded on an airport runway for 3 hours. In one sitting (pun intended) the topic does have the unfortunate effect of making one feel slightly nauseous at times.

If only there were more of this kind of reporting/writing about environmental issues, I would take more of an interest. This book puts into context how really serious issues are never dealt with when a nice picture of a poor fluffy polar bear and a "carbon footprint" calculator will do instead.

One can feel the sense of frustration of Rose and the people in the book at just how hard it is to make progress on such an important issue.

Ultimately I am not sure if I am optimistic that work like this will help in finding solutions or whether the book is just a testament to human natures ability to look the other way if problems don't affect them directly.

A definite recommend, 14 Nov 2003
This is our course text book for the Environmental Science module of my degree in Building Surveying, if you are interested in buidings (bearing in mind it is a text book) - it is still a pretty good read. For the course I'm studying it is first rate, very concise and clear, the sections we've used most are on the principles of heat, thermal insulation in buildings (U-values etc) and energy use in buildings (thermal comfort etc) it also covers acoustics, light, and water in equal depth. First rate, a definite recommend.

Yawn, 26 Oct 2008
I could say that this is a "Whirlwind of a book, transporting the reader into a world of action and adventure"... however I'd be lying.

You buy this book because you have to. However, if you do need to know what the laws and regulations pertaining to water really are, this is your book - and God have mercy on your soul.

Everything you need to know is in here but its layout leaves a huge amount to be desired and it can take eons to actually find the section you want.

Once you have found the relevant section you have to decipher the text, which was definitely influenced by members of the legal profession and as such occasionally makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.


Excellent course book for BPEC Water Regualtions, 28 Jun 2006
We recommended this book for students taking our BPEC Water Regaulations Certifcate here at PPL Plumbing Training in York. The book complements the BPEC course and has clear and helpful digrams. Backflow prevention is well documented and clearly explained - a first class book!


An Excellent And Beautifully Presented Book, 06 Oct 2004
I whole heartedly agree with the previous reviewer. This book is a must for anyone following either the C&G 6129 or NVQ2/3 track. The book very clearly and thoroughly explains the UK water regulations and Scottish (2000) byelaws with superb diagrams in full colour and no legal jargon. This book is a credit to the WRAS scheme, truly excellent.

An essential read for any one studying NVQ level 2 Plumbing., 23 Nov 2001
An informative book and a must have for any body taking NVQ level 2 Plumbing and any plumber in general that wants to keep upto date with the latest Water Regulations.

Good on Energy Politics (ish), 01 Dec 2008
I think that Heat is unnecessarily alarmist. Asking for a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 is simply silly. Monbiot's suggestions about how to go about it are very interesting and are what gives the book its merit. Energy resources are finite and should be conserved; my problem with Heat is that Monbiot has tacked his thesis onto the Global Warming bandwagon but without providing the science. Chapter 1 suggests that we all subscribe to the theory of man made global warming but, since he clearly feels the science to be a 'given', he declines to provide more than a few throwaway remarks. Chapter 2 is given over to 'climate change deniers'. The usual suspects from the Daily Mail and Exxon, but Monbiot does not seem to feel the need to do more than mock their intellectual inadequacies. And I dislike the use of the word 'deniers'; I do not feel that the debate is over about global warming. Monbiot clearly does.
I think it is a shame that the environment lobby today is assumed to go along with the theory of man made global warming - I think it provides distortions and limits legitimate debate; unlike Monbiot I do not prefer nuclear to coal.

A blueprint for action, 12 Aug 2008
It is a complaint frequently levelled at radicals that they produce no alternatives to the problems they identify. It says a lot about the quality of this book that one of the most commonly heard criticisms is that its research is too detailed and its solutions too thorough. It is clear that alternate political and social structures would make solving climate change easier. Monbiot knows this well but aims his argument at those who have no interest in altering systems of gross injustice at all. The tweaking he proposes, while requiring real political pressure on our part and something of a challenge to entrenched power, will compromise the quality of our lives barely at all. By making an argument of such comprehensivess, subtelty and foresight, he has exposed those who whinge about a sandal-wearing return to the stone age for what they are - arrogant narcissists who would rather shop in Paris and New York than prevent the mass flooding of Bangladesh. Absolutely essential. Read it. Then act.

Worthy, 06 Jul 2008
I have a great deal of admiration for George Monbiot and for his work.

There is a problem for the general non-academic reader with this book, however, since the subject matter demands an earnest approach, complete with minutely researched statistical corroboration. Such worthiness can become daunting and sometimes makes for a slow and difficult read. That is not necessarily a bad thing, of course, but I suspect it might close the book off to the very audience which neeeds to read and absorb it, i.e. the layman.

That said, there is a great deal of value in here; the use of Marlowe's "Dr. Faustus" is a clever but ultimately misplaced leitmotif and the (deliberately?) quirky suggestion that the future of public transport is the coach will be a little diffcult for many to swallow, but those caveats apart, this is one which rewards the effort it demands of the reader.

Well thought out arguments prove what COULD be done!, 20 Dec 2007
Heat is just superb - it achieves exactly what it sets out to do and does so using careful, understandable and well-researched (with sources) arguments. OK, there are people who may disagree with some of the interpretations, but few people could argue AGAINST the facts in this book.

My only problem is that the very people who should be reading it, are the least likely to want to. There's a degree of preaching to the converted (as there is with any book of this ilk), but it does give you the facts and figures to use for yourself.

Well done George Monbiot - you continue to be one of the most respected writers and speakers on what can be done to address climate change.

Great book. Buy it. Read it, 07 Dec 2007
Complex issues explained simply and clearly. Monbiot is a research hero. Everyone I know is getting this for xmas.

I'll be memorising some of the crucial points to counter the inevitable "name a single case..." tactics used by the dishonest debaters in my family - the usual telegaph reading suspects. Can't wait for the chats over christmas lunch. Doubt it'll help the invincibly ignorant. But it'll be amusing for some of us.

Excellent and concise, 01 Feb 2007
Clear descriptive elements for all phases of building. A very good guide for DIY stawbale building. The book concerns construction in northern climes. Whilst it is pertinent to foundation & wall structures, a chapter exploring roof design & construction would have the icing on the cake.

Can't do without, 25 Mar 2006
This book is concise, spot on and a must for every straw house builder. All the fundamentals are covered and while other books may be ten times the size they rarely will give you really more information. What I would like to see is a bit more about statics e.g. how much can a wall, a frame, a truss or a piece of timber hold.

Great Introduction to SB Building, 18 Oct 2005
I used this book throughout my final year of university, and I still do as a design aid. It provides the perfect introduction to building with bales pointed really well towards self-builders. Crucially, it differs from other guides as being specific to the UK and Ireland and the authors expertise in building here means this is covered very well.
If you are looking for a book detailing the history and growth of SB building then this isn't it; check out the Steens excelent books perhaps. There are also books on the subject that go into more detail (Lacinski and Bergerons "Serious Straw Bale" for instance), however this book is concise and holds just the right amount of detail to get you started, especially if you are in the UK or Ireland.
Highly recomended!
Go and build it with bales!

According to The Skeptical Environmentalist the hole in the Ozone Layer is healing. The Amazon has shrunk by only 14 per cent since the arrival of Man. Only 0.7 per cent of species will be driven to extinction over the next 50 years. Even the poorest humans are getting richer by the year. Things are not good enough; but they are far, far better than we have been taught to believe. Lomborg, a professor of statistics and a former Greenpeace member, reveals the complexity, confusion, and (rarely) misuse of data behind the current Litany of approaching environmental Armageddon. But this is not a comforting or reassuring read. Nor is it a bible for lackeys and do-nothings. Lomborg uses the same figures everyone else uses, from national governments to the Kyoto summit to Greenpeace. Rarely have the raw data been discussed in such detail: their history, how they are calculated, their strengths, and their weaknesses. Lomborg argues persuasively that our sense of approaching human and environmental disaster is an artefact of the valid work of modern scientific, environmental and media institutions. There is, he asserts, no one to blame for our growing sense of despair, but everything to learn. We must learn what real risks are, and what we can do about them. (Kyoto? A very bad idea...) We must prioritise. (30p on the organic basil? Or 30p to buy a child clean water in Sierra Leone?) There is, after all, room for manoeuvre; panic achieves nothing. This is our generation's Silent Spring: a book to rewrite the environmental agenda, and a must-buy for any parent who wonders what kind of world we are leaving for our children.--Simon Ings

Dirty Secret, 19 Sep 2008
I never thought I'd enjoy a book about human waste - but this book has proven that a good author can tell a fascinating story about anything. I think Rose George is very brave for addressing a very unsexy subject -- and the facts are powerful: what good is clean drinking water if 2.6 billion people in this world live in contaminated environments due to their own lack of toilets? This is thought-provoking stuff which - if taken seriously and acted upon - could change the lives of billions...

Food for thought....., 18 Sep 2008
The 'BIG NECESSITY' by Rose George, fearlessly tackles one of the worlds least talked about, yet one of its most important environmental and health issues. The 'BIG NECESSITY' is a journey through the world of human waste where she endeavours to quantify, rationalise and make sense of, how we across the planet choose to dispose of, that which we don't like to talk about. This intelligent, smart and sometimes witty book tackles its subject matter full on and I would 'highly recommend' it to anyone who has a genuine interest in the environment, health and of course public sanitation... a must read !!!!

Real Environmentalism, 18 Sep 2008
Almost as entertaining as it is fascinating. I say almost as I read most of the book in one session whilst stranded on an airport runway for 3 hours. In one sitting (pun intended) the topic does have the unfortunate effect of making one feel slightly nauseous at times.

If only there were more of this kind of reporting/writing about environmental issues, I would take more of an interest. This book puts into context how really serious issues are never dealt with when a nice picture of a poor fluffy polar bear and a "carbon footprint" calculator will do instead.

One can feel the sense of frustration of Rose and the people in the book at just how hard it is to make progress on such an important issue.

Ultimately I am not sure if I am optimistic that work like this will help in finding solutions or whether the book is just a testament to human natures ability to look the other way if problems don't affect them directly.

A definite recommend, 14 Nov 2003
This is our course text book for the Environmental Science module of my degree in Building Surveying, if you are interested in buidings (bearing in mind it is a text book) - it is still a pretty good read. For the course I'm studying it is first rate, very concise and clear, the sections we've used most are on the principles of heat, thermal insulation in buildings (U-values etc) and energy use in buildings (thermal comfort etc) it also covers acoustics, light, and water in equal depth. First rate, a definite recommend.

Yawn, 26 Oct 2008
I could say that this is a "Whirlwind of a book, transporting the reader into a world of action and adventure"... however I'd be lying.

You buy this book because you have to. However, if you do need to know what the laws and regulations pertaining to water really are, this is your book - and God have mercy on your soul.

Everything you need to know is in here but its layout leaves a huge amount to be desired and it can take eons to actually find the section you want.

Once you have found the relevant section you have to decipher the text, which was definitely influenced by members of the legal profession and as such occasionally makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.


Excellent course book for BPEC Water Regualtions, 28 Jun 2006
We recommended this book for students taking our BPEC Water Regaulations Certifcate here at PPL Plumbing Training in York. The book complements the BPEC course and has clear and helpful digrams. Backflow prevention is well documented and clearly explained - a first class book!


An Excellent And Beautifully Presented Book, 06 Oct 2004
I whole heartedly agree with the previous reviewer. This book is a must for anyone following either the C&G 6129 or NVQ2/3 track. The book very clearly and thoroughly explains the UK water regulations and Scottish (2000) byelaws with superb diagrams in full colour and no legal jargon. This book is a credit to the WRAS scheme, truly excellent.

An essential read for any one studying NVQ level 2 Plumbing., 23 Nov 2001
An informative book and a must have for any body taking NVQ level 2 Plumbing and any plumber in general that wants to keep upto date with the latest Water Regulations.

Good on Energy Politics (ish), 01 Dec 2008
I think that Heat is unnecessarily alarmist. Asking for a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 is simply silly. Monbiot's suggestions about how to go about it are very interesting and are what gives the book its merit. Energy resources are finite and should be conserved; my problem with Heat is that Monbiot has tacked his thesis onto the Global Warming bandwagon but without providing the science. Chapter 1 suggests that we all subscribe to the theory of man made global warming but, since he clearly feels the science to be a 'given', he declines to provide more than a few throwaway remarks. Chapter 2 is given over to 'climate change deniers'. The usual suspects from the Daily Mail and Exxon, but Monbiot does not seem to feel the need to do more than mock their intellectual inadequacies. And I dislike the use of the word 'deniers'; I do not feel that the debate is over about global warming. Monbiot clearly does.
I think it is a shame that the environment lobby today is assumed to go along with the theory of man made global warming - I think it provides distortions and limits legitimate debate; unlike Monbiot I do not prefer nuclear to coal.

A blueprint for action, 12 Aug 2008
It is a complaint frequently levelled at radicals that they produce no alternatives to the problems they identify. It says a lot about the quality of this book that one of the most commonly heard criticisms is that its research is too detailed and its solutions too thorough. It is clear that alternate political and social structures would make solving climate change easier. Monbiot knows this well but aims his argument at those who have no interest in altering systems of gross injustice at all. The tweaking he proposes, while requiring real political pressure on our part and something of a challenge to entrenched power, will compromise the quality of our lives barely at all. By making an argument of such comprehensivess, subtelty and foresight, he has exposed those who whinge about a sandal-wearing return to the stone age for what they are - arrogant narcissists who would rather shop in Paris and New York than prevent the mass flooding of Bangladesh. Absolutely essential. Read it. Then act.

Worthy, 06 Jul 2008
I have a great deal of admiration for George Monbiot and for his work.

There is a problem for the general non-academic reader with this book, however, since the subject matter demands an earnest approach, complete with minutely researched statistical corroboration. Such worthiness can become daunting and sometimes makes for a slow and difficult read. That is not necessarily a bad thing, of course, but I suspect it might close the book off to the very audience which neeeds to read and absorb it, i.e. the layman.

That said, there is a great deal of value in here; the use of Marlowe's "Dr. Faustus" is a clever but ultimately misplaced leitmotif and the (deliberately?) quirky suggestion that the future of public transport is the coach will be a little diffcult for many to swallow, but those caveats apart, this is one which rewards the effort it demands of the reader.

Well thought out arguments prove what COULD be done!, 20 Dec 2007
Heat is just superb - it achieves exactly what it sets out to do and does so using careful, understandable and well-researched (with sources) arguments. OK, there are people who may disagree with some of the interpretations, but few people could argue AGAINST the facts in this book.

My only problem is that the very people who should be reading it, are the least likely to want to. There's a degree of preaching to the converted (as there is with any book of this ilk), but it does give you the facts and figures to use for yourself.

Well done George Monbiot - you continue to be one of the most respected writers and speakers on what can be done to address climate change.

Great book. Buy it. Read it, 07 Dec 2007
Complex issues explained simply and clearly. Monbiot is a research hero. Everyone I know is getting this for xmas.

I'll be memorising some of the crucial points to counter the inevitable "name a single case..." tactics used by the dishonest debaters in my family - the usual telegaph reading suspects. Can't wait for the chats over christmas lunch. Doubt it'll help the invincibly ignorant. But it'll be amusing for some of us.

Excellent and concise, 01 Feb 2007
Clear descriptive elements for all phases of building. A very good guide for DIY stawbale building. The book concerns construction in northern climes. Whilst it is pertinent to foundation & wall structures, a chapter exploring roof design & construction would have the icing on the cake.

Can't do without, 25 Mar 2006
This book is concise, spot on and a must for every straw house builder. All the fundamentals are covered and while other books may be ten times the size they rarely will give you really more information. What I would like to see is a bit more about statics e.g. how much can a wall, a frame, a truss or a piece of timber hold.

Great Introduction to SB Building, 18 Oct 2005
I used this book throughout my final year of university, and I still do as a design aid. It provides the perfect introduction to building with bales pointed really well towards self-builders. Crucially, it differs from other guides as being specific to the UK and Ireland and the authors expertise in building here means this is covered very well.
If you are looking for a book detailing the history and growth of SB building then this isn't it; check out the Steens excelent books perhaps. There are also books on the subject that go into more detail (Lacinski and Bergerons "Serious Straw Bale" for instance), however this book is concise and holds just the right amount of detail to get you started, especially if you are in the UK or Ireland.
Highly recomended!
Go and build it with bales!

A truly excellent book, 26 Jul 2008
This is one of those books which change the course of things.

It is hugely impressive not only because of the absolutely massive amount of research involved, but because the entire work comes from someone who had, initially, entirely opposite convictions to those reflected in the book and had the intellectual honesty to understand that he was wrong, accept it and spread the word.

More notable is the book also for the unbelievable smearing campaign and the attempt at character assassination of which the author has been made object from his former companions, a truly sobering experience about the ways of "idealists","world savers" and apostles of "tolerance".

And mind, this is not someone just pretending to have been converted to sell a bit more; the author was very active in his academic milieu and certainly not the conservative type (openly and vocally leftist, openly and vocally homosexual). This gives the claims in the books, apart from the huge and ruthlessly accurate research - though the occasional mistake may have slipped here and there - the more credibility.

The environmental hype is now slowly ebbing down; common sense starts to prevail; the mayor of London with his ecoterrorist agenda (actually populism and class warfare with another name, as it is often the case) lost his job and all other british politicians listened to the message; in general, politicians have become more and more timid in trying to "look good" by imposing new taxes "to save the planet". This book shares a part of the merit.

Buy it and will you never regret it.








Human Life at Any Price?, 23 May 2008
The whole thesis of this book is predicated on the moral superiority of the preservation and extension of human life for the maximum number of people. As such it essentially adopts a moral standpoint that values human life, well-being and happiness above all other forms of life and environment on the planet. Human life at any price, it seems.

Will make you think twice next time you hear a stat on the environment, 28 Feb 2008
Having always been in the technocentric camp and always been skeptical of environmental issues such as climate change and pollution, I read this book after my environmental issues lecturer put me in touch with it. I have to say that I was amazed with some of the 'propaganda' that environmental groups such as the WWF and green peace were putting out. An excellent read for those who are sick of the doom and gloom merchants we are now regularly seeing on the television on the subject of climate change. Although this is book is quite advanced particularly in the statistics department, (MR. Lomborg is an economist by trade), It is essential reading for those wishing to throw come back stats into the faces of the doom mongerers



Scare tactics exposed!, 05 Dec 2007
I bought this book several years ago after reading a review in a reputable newspaper. What really interested me was a report on the facts behind soil erosion, namely that the information was based on data from a very small scale experiment on sloping farm land in Belgium and simply extrapolated to cover all soils around the world! I couldn't believe that supposedly reputable people and organisations, would go to such obscene lengths to scare people into contributing to their research projects and funding. How wrong I was!
I enjoyed the book immensely and shook my head in disbelief on discovering how selective the environmentalist scaremongers were regarding data selection and how specifically it was presented so as to allow the reader to draw the obvious conclusion, ie- The one the scaremonger wanted them to draw.
The devil is in the detail and when he examined the facts and data behind the scary low sperm count headlines, the flawed nature of the data analysis and presentation soon became clear.
Bjorn Lomborg succeeded in exposing the scare stories for what they really were, just that. Unfortunately, he seems to be a lone voice and like a radio in a boiler factory, is in danger of being drowned out by the noise.
The

numbers and facts, 28 Oct 2007
Great read and a well researched book. Destined to be the bible on global issues.

There is so much presented. From population, wealth and health to climate and the environment. Not sure I could take anyone seriously unless they have read this book cover to references and notes!

Dirty Secret, 19 Sep 2008
I never thought I'd enjoy a book about human waste - but this book has proven that a good author can tell a fascinating story about anything. I think Rose George is very brave for addressing a very unsexy subject -- and the facts are powerful: what good is clean drinking water if 2.6 billion people in this world live in contaminated environments due to their own lack of toilets? This is thought-provoking stuff which - if taken seriously and acted upon - could change the lives of billions...

Food for thought....., 18 Sep 2008
The 'BIG NECESSITY' by Rose George, fearlessly tackles one of the worlds least talked about, yet one of its most important environmental and health issues. The 'BIG NECESSITY' is a journey through the world of human waste where she endeavours to quantify, rationalise and make sense of, how we across the planet choose to dispose of, that which we don't like to talk about. This intelligent, smart and sometimes witty book tackles its subject matter full on and I would 'highly recommend' it to anyone who has a genuine interest in the environment, health and of course public sanitation... a must read !!!!

Real Environmentalism, 18 Sep 2008
Almost as entertaining as it is fascinating. I say almost as I read most of the book in one session whilst stranded on an airport runway for 3 hours. In one sitting (pun intended) the topic does have the unfortunate effect of making one feel slightly nauseous at times.

If only there were more of this kind of reporting/writing about environmental issues, I would take more of an interest. This book puts into context how really serious issues are never dealt with when a nice picture of a poor fluffy polar bear and a "carbon footprint" calculator will do instead.

One can feel the sense of frustration of Rose and the people in the book at just how hard it is to make progress on such an important issue.

Ultimately I am not sure if I am optimistic that work like this will help in finding solutions or whether the book is just a testament to human natures ability to look the other way if problems don't affect them directly.

A definite recommend, 14 Nov 2003
This is our course text book for the Environmental Science module of my degree in Building Surveying, if you are interested in buidings (bearing in mind it is a text book) - it is still a pretty good read. For the course I'm studying it is first rate, very concise and clear, the sections we've used most are on the principles of heat, thermal insulation in buildings (U-values etc) and energy use in buildings (thermal comfort etc) it also covers acoustics, light, and water in equal depth. First rate, a definite recommend.

Yawn, 26 Oct 2008
I could say that this is a "Whirlwind of a book, transporting the reader into a world of action and adventure"... however I'd be lying.

You buy this book because you have to. However, if you do need to know what the laws and regulations pertaining to water really are, this is your book - and God have mercy on your soul.

Everything you need to know is in here but its layout leaves a huge amount to be desired and it can take eons to actually find the section you want.

Once you have found the relevant section you have to decipher the text, which was definitely influenced by members of the legal profession and as such occasionally makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.


Excellent course book for BPEC Water Regualtions, 28 Jun 2006
We recommended this book for students taking our BPEC Water Regaulations Certifcate here at PPL Plumbing Training in York. The book complements the BPEC course and has clear and helpful digrams. Backflow prevention is well documented and clearly explained - a first class book!


An Excellent And Beautifully Presented Book, 06 Oct 2004
I whole heartedly agree with the previous reviewer. This book is a must for anyone following either the C&G 6129 or NVQ2/3 track. The book very clearly and thoroughly explains the UK water regulations and Scottish (2000) byelaws with superb diagrams in full colour and no legal jargon. This book is a credit to the WRAS scheme, truly excellent.

An essential read for any one studying NVQ level 2 Plumbing., 23 Nov 2001
An informative book and a must have for any body taking NVQ level 2 Plumbing and any plumber in general that wants to keep upto date with the latest Water Regulations.

Good on Energy Politics (ish), 01 Dec 2008
I think that Heat is unnecessarily alarmist. Asking for a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 is simply silly. Monbiot's suggestions about how to go about it are very interesting and are what gives the book its merit. Energy resources are finite and should be conserved; my problem with Heat is that Monbiot has tacked his thesis onto the Global Warming bandwagon but without providing the science. Chapter 1 suggests that we all subscribe to the theory of man made global warming but, since he clearly feels the science to be a 'given', he declines to provide more than a few throwaway remarks. Chapter 2 is given over to 'climate change deniers'. The usual suspects from the Daily Mail and Exxon, but Monbiot does not seem to feel the need to do more than mock their intellectual inadequacies. And I dislike the use of the word 'deniers'; I do not feel that the debate is over about global warming. Monbiot clearly does.
I think it is a shame that the environment lobby today is assumed to go along with the theory of man made global warming - I think it provides distortions and limits legitimate debate; unlike Monbiot I do not prefer nuclear to coal.

A blueprint for action, 12 Aug 2008
It is a complaint frequently levelled at radicals that they produce no alternatives to the problems they identify. It says a lot about the quality of this book that one of the most commonly heard criticisms is that its research is too detailed and its solutions too thorough. It is clear that alternate political and social structures would make solving climate change easier. Monbiot knows this well but aims his argument at those who have no interest in altering systems of gross injustice at all. The tweaking he proposes, while requiring real political pressure on our part and something of a challenge to entrenched power, will compromise the quality of our lives barely at all. By making an argument of such comprehensivess, subtelty and foresight, he has exposed those who whinge about a sandal-wearing return to the stone age for what they are - arrogant narcissists who would rather shop in Paris and New York than prevent the mass flooding of Bangladesh. Absolutely essential. Read it. Then act.

Worthy, 06 Jul 2008
I have a great deal of admiration for George Monbiot and for his work.

There is a problem for the general non-academic reader with this book, however, since the subject matter demands an earnest approach, complete with minutely researched statistical corroboration. Such worthiness can become daunting and sometimes makes for a slow and difficult read. That is not necessarily a bad thing, of course, but I suspect it might close the book off to the very audience which neeeds to read and absorb it, i.e. the layman.

That said, there is a great deal of value in here; the use of Marlowe's "Dr. Faustus" is a clever but ultimately misplaced leitmotif and the (deliberately?) quirky suggestion that the future of public transport is the coach will be a little diffcult for many to swallow, but those caveats apart, this is one which rewards the effort it demands of the reader.

Well thought out arguments prove what COULD be done!, 20 Dec 2007
Heat is just superb - it achieves exactly what it sets out to do and does so using careful, understandable and well-researched (with sources) arguments. OK, there are people who may disagree with some of the interpretations, but few people could argue AGAINST the facts in this book.

My only problem is that the very people who should be reading it, are the least likely to want to. There's a degree of preaching to the converted (as there is with any book of this ilk), but it does give you the facts and figures to use for yourself.

Well done George Monbiot - you continue to be one of the most respected writers and speakers on what can be done to address climate change.

Great book. Buy it. Read it, 07 Dec 2007
Complex issues explained simply and clearly. Monbiot is a research hero. Everyone I know is getting this for xmas.

I'll be memorising some of the crucial points to counter the inevitable "name a single case..." tactics used by the dishonest debaters in my family - the usual telegaph reading suspects. Can't wait for the chats over christmas lunch. Doubt it'll help the invincibly ignorant. But it'll be amusing for some of us.

Excellent and concise, 01 Feb 2007
Clear descriptive elements for all phases of building. A very good guide for DIY stawbale building. The book concerns construction in northern climes. Whilst it is pertinent to foundation & wall structures, a chapter exploring roof design & construction would have the icing on the cake.

Can't do without, 25 Mar 2006
This book is concise, spot on and a must for every straw house builder. All the fundamentals are covered and while other books may be ten times the size they rarely will give you really more information. What I would like to see is a bit more about statics e.g. how much can a wall, a frame, a truss or a piece of timber hold.

Great Introduction to SB Building, 18 Oct 2005
I used this book throughout my final year of university, and I still do as a design aid. It provides the perfect introduction to building with bales pointed really well towards self-builders. Crucially, it differs from other guides as being specific to the UK and Ireland and the authors expertise in building here means this is covered very well.
If you are looking for a book detailing the history and growth of SB building then this isn't it; check out the Steens excelent books perhaps. There are also books on the subject that go into more detail (Lacinski and Bergerons "Serious Straw Bale" for instance), however this book is concise and holds just the right amount of detail to get you started, especially if you are in the UK or Ireland.
Highly recomended!
Go and build it with bales!

A truly excellent book, 26 Jul 2008
This is one of those books which change the course of things.

It is hugely impressive not only because of the absolutely massive amount of research involved, but because the entire work comes from someone who had, initially, entirely opposite convictions to those reflected in the book and had the intellectual honesty to understand that he was wrong, accept it and spread the word.

More notable is the book also for the unbelievable smearing campaign and the attempt at character assassination of which the author has been made object from his former companions, a truly sobering experience about the ways of "idealists","world savers" and apostles of "tolerance".

And mind, this is not someone just pretending to have been converted to sell a bit more; the author was very active in his academic milieu and certainly not the conservative type (openly and vocally leftist, openly and vocally homosexual). This gives the claims in the books, apart from the huge and ruthlessly accurate research - though the occasional mistake may have slipped here and there - the more credibility.

The environmental hype is now slowly ebbing down; common sense starts to prevail; the mayor of London with his ecoterrorist agenda (actually populism and class warfare with another name, as it is often the case) lost his job and all other british politicians listened to the message; in general, politicians have become more and more timid in trying to "look good" by imposing new taxes "to save the planet". This book shares a part of the merit.

Buy it and will you never regret it.








Human Life at Any Price?, 23 May 2008
The whole thesis of this book is predicated on the moral superiority of the preservation and extension of human life for the maximum number of people. As such it essentially adopts a moral standpoint that values human life, well-being and happiness above all other forms of life and environment on the planet. Human life at any price, it seems.

Will make you think twice next time you hear a stat on the environment, 28 Feb 2008
Having always been in the technocentric camp and always been skeptical of environmental issues such as climate change and pollution, I read this book after my environmental issues lecturer put me in touch with it. I have to say that I was amazed with some of the 'propaganda' that environmental groups such as the WWF and green peace were putting out. An excellent read for those who are sick of the doom and gloom merchants we are now regularly seeing on the television on the subject of climate change. Although this is book is quite advanced particularly in the statistics department, (MR. Lomborg is an economist by trade), It is essential reading for those wishing to throw come back stats into the faces of the doom mongerers



Scare tactics exposed!, 05 Dec 2007
I bought this book several years ago after reading a review in a reputable newspaper. What really interested me was a report on the facts behind soil erosion, namely that the information was based on data from a very small scale experiment on sloping farm land in Belgium and simply extrapolated to cover all soils around the world! I couldn't believe that supposedly reputable people and organisations, would go to such obscene lengths to scare people into contributing to their research projects and funding. How wrong I was!
I enjoyed the book immensely and shook my head in disbelief on discovering how selective the environmentalist scaremongers were regarding data selection and how specifically it was presented so as to allow the reader to draw the obvious conclusion, ie- The one the scaremonger wanted them to draw.
The devil is in the detail and when he examined the facts and data behind the scary low sperm count headlines, the flawed nature of the data analysis and presentation soon became clear.
Bjorn Lomborg succeeded in exposing the scare stories for what they really were, just that. Unfortunately, he seems to be a lone voice and like a radio in a boiler factory, is in danger of being drowned out by the noise.
The

numbers and facts, 28 Oct 2007
Great read and a well researched book. Destined to be the bible on global issues.

There is so much presented. From population, wealth and health to climate and the environment. Not sure I could take anyone seriously unless they have read this book cover to references and notes!

Excellent study of the real cause of the current warming, 13 Nov 2008
Fred Singer, Research Professor at George Mason University in Virginia, and Dennis Avery, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute in New York, have written a thorough account of the causes of global warming. Their work is backed by a lengthy list of references from refereed and peer-reviewed science journals.

They show that over the past million years the earth has been through 600 cycles of warming caused by regular changes in the sun's radiance. Each cycle lasts about 1,500 years and the temperature varies from 20C above the mean to 20C below it. The sun's radiance has increased by 0.050C per decade for the last 25 years and we are about 150 years into a moderate warming cycle.

This is the only explanation for the modern warming that is backed by physical evidence, from ice cores, fossilised pollen, core stalagmites and seabed sediments.

They demolish Michael Mann's famous hockey-stick graph - used by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and by US billionaire Al Gore in his movie. This graph purported to show that the 20th century was uniquely hot. But two experienced statisticians, Stephen McIntyre and Ross McKitrick, studied Mann's data and concluded that they did not produce the claimed results due to "collation errors, unjustifiable truncation or extrapolation of source data, obsolete data, geographical location errors, incorrect calculation of principal components and other quality control defects."

The early 15th-century warming was hotter than the 20th-century warming, refuting the claim that the 20th century's record CO2 emissions caused unprecedented global warming. Antarctic ice cores show a strong correlation between temperature changes and CO2 levels, but CO2 levels rise about 800 years after temperatures rise. So temperature changes cause CO2 changes not vice versa.

Greens promote baseless fears, for example, "the oceans will rise by a metre by 2010." No, the most likely rise is ten centimetres, according to the International Union of Quaternary Research's Sea Level Commission. Al Gore wrote in 1992, "global warming is expected to push temperatures up much more rapidly in the polar regions." No, the Antarctic has been cooling since 1966; temperatures at both poles are lower than they were in 1930.

"A million species will be lost." No, there will be more species because higher CO2 concentrations help plants, and therefore other species, to accept higher temperatures without harm. "There will be more frequent and fiercer storms." No, a warmer climate is more stable and has fewer storms. "Millions will die from warming." No, fewer people die from excess heat than from excess cold. "Warming will reduce crops." No, it encourages growth in food crops, as do warming's increased rainfall (2% up in the 20th century) and increased CO2.

Solar and wind power is between four to ten times as dear as fossil-fuel and nuclear power. Shifting to `renewables' would mean converting hundreds of millions of acres of forest and wilderness to wind farms, solar panel arrays and biofuel crops. But since global warming is not dangerous and is not manmade, we don't need to cut our use of indispensable fossil fuels.



Very controversial - will have environmentalists spitting, 19 Oct 2008
This book has two central assumptions, namely, that global warming is happening, but that this is not caused in any way by human activity. Secondly, the authors argue that global warming is not such a bad thing, because a slightly warmer planet is actually better. From old people saving money on heating bills to rare animals being able to extend their normal range thanks to hotter weather, global warming is not such a bad thing.

The authors argue that there have been a number of occassions throughout history when the temperature of the planet has risen and fallen. To prove this, they cite two sources. The first is the records in tree rings and the ice core. The second is the writings of ancient civilizations, which described sudden changes in the climate, without necessarily knowing it. He mentions how the Vikings on Greenland noted a sudden drop in cold, which ultimately led to the end of their settlement there as ice bergs made the sea lanes impassable.

The book also makes an incendiary claim. That green charities, pressure groups and researchers are claiming humans cause global warming for two reasons. Firstly, because there is so much money available in terms of donations from the public if the public can be alarmed enough. Secondly, because government research grants are now so large that many scientists keep their reservations about what is really behind climate change to themselves so as to keep the funding rolling in.

I met the author whilst working at the European Parliament, and found his book to be extremely well written, and the man himself to be very pleasant and a great speaker. This book is strongly recommended.

No-punches pulled refutation of man-made global warming theory, 06 May 2008
Singer and Avery suggest that there should be no binding constraints on human emissions of greenhouse gases until three things can be demonstrated:

1. That greenhouse gases are certain to raise global temperatures significantly higher than they rose during previous natural climate warming cycles;
2. That such a warming would severely harm human welfare and nature;
3. That rational human actions could actually forestall whatever warming may occur.

In short, they do not think that the "global warming alarmists", including the IPCC, have been able to meet any of these requirements.

Singer & Avery pull no punches in this book of four parts. The first describes the discovery of the 1,500-year (or, strictly, 1,470 year +/- 500 year) cycle of warming and cooling and the evidence for it both from historical sources and scientific investigation - temperature proxies such as tree rings, marine deposits, habitation patterns, ice cores and sea levels, even stalagmites and fossilised pollen. Temperatures are not yet as warm as they have been in the relatively recent past - long before man was having any significant impact on the atmosphere - when mankind seemed to be thriving. In the second, they rubbish the evidence that human activity, and in particular the production of CO2, is causing any temperature change; they are particularly scornful of computer modelling and the political re-writing of the various IPCC reports. In the third section, they attack what they see as groundless fears about the effects of warming - the sort of thing that Al Gore put into "An Inconvenient Truth". The fourth section concludes by saying that Kyoto is pointless whichever way you look at it, unless you are Putin, looking to be able to sell billions of dollars worth carbon credits (based on Russia's 1990 industrial economy) but not now necessary to Russia or European leaders hoping to restrain the US's faster growing economy.

The 1,470 year temperature cycle was discovered by Willi Dansgaard and Hans Oeschger, and the research independently validated by Claude Lorius, based on ice-core research in the 1980s and 1990s. D, O & L did not explain a causal link more sophisticated than that it was due to the sun, and Singer & Avery credit Henrik Svensmark with identifying the link between solar activity, cosmic rays and cloud formation (as explained in Svensmark's "The Chilling Stars"). This solar cycle is thought to be caused by a combination of two previously identified solar cycles: the 87-year Gleissberg cycle and the 210-year DeVries-Suess cycle, but the theory does not get much more sophisticated than that. In short, there does not yet seem to be a theoretical explanation as to why the sun triggers a 1,470 year cycle, nor why it should be +/- 500 years (which does seem quite a lot to a layman like me), but the cycle is based on a great deal of consistent, and planet-wide, empirical evidence. Singer & Avery cite many sources to show that the Roman and Medieval Warmings and the Dark Ages and C16 - C18 "little " ice ages were planet-wide.

Singer & Avery suggest that it would be prudent to consider that mankind is contributing to the (slightly) warming Earth, but that the vast majority of the relatively mild (but greatly overstated) warming is being caused by solar events completely outwith man's ability to control. This may be just as well, as they are highly sceptical about the practical effectiveness of many so-called alternative energies - although they do not go into detail about the practical problems to the extent, for example, that Booker and North do in "Scared to Death". Even nuclear fission, they think, would only be of temporary help, and in the long term, when fossil fuels run out or we are choose to stop using them, we had better hope that we have cracked nuclear fusion. This, ironically, is the same conclusion reached by James Lovelock of the Gaia theory!

This book is at its best in its detailed statement of facts in support of there being significant natural climate variation, and in pointing out the weaknesses in some of the data presented by global warming alarmists. (Some of the facts, based on historical interpretation, would probably be rejected by scientists as insufficiently quantifiable, but they seemed worthy of conclusion, to me, in support of quantifiable data.) Otherwise, I have to admit, I was a little disappointed by it, because I seemed to have read many of their arguments in greater detail elsewhere: Svensmark on the solar/galactic effect, Bjorn Lomborg on the economic consequences of an over-reaction, Booker and North on the limitations of alternative energies as they currently exist, Patrick Michaels on the reasons why scientists find themselves acting, unscientifically, to support a developing "paradigm".

This book is, nevertheless, 260 tightly-argued pages demonstrating that there is no "global warming consensus" that man made global warming is out of control. If, for example, you are alarmed by the arguments of the "consensus" and wish to explore some of the arguments of the "sceptics" then you could do a lot worse than starting here.


Refreshing climate change arguement, 02 Jan 2008
This is a well written book, full of facts that the author lists using verified evidence, both physical from all corners of the world to historical records. Singer uses the current political driven climate change comments - then one by one uses verified facts to show the actual state of the planet.

Not having any background in science, but just an ordinary person who for a number of years had to study weather patterns due to my job, I have never subscribed to the political driven climate change 'religion' we are now all being asked (without question) to accept (and pay higher taxes on!); it is refreshing to see a book showing facts - real verfiable facts (a thing politics seems to omit with it's scare mongering money self esteeem driven politicians!)

Singer argues, and shows proof of past warmings in the last 2000 years in particualr and further back in history. The Roman Warming period ( 2000 years ago) Singer shows with verfiable facts that Greenland was over 5 degrees hotter than today (HOWEVER....the ice cap remained - polar bears in the artic didn't die out and sea levels didn't inundated the planet!) The same occurred during the medieval period. All this (and more) can be found in this book and in numerous other publications and websites..........all who use physical evidence to prove such facts.

The warm cold, warm cold cycles Singer advocates are all backed up by physical evidence, but whether he is 100% right, well we weren't there in times gone past but he argues it well and very convincingly. He also shows that in the past C02 has been a lot higher, astronomically higher than todays levels.....even before man appeared (why are we getting the blame then?)

He argues well the politically driven IPCC public reports which have been now causing a lot of controversy in the USA.........and he is not the first to say this by a long way.

I'm suprised in today's politically driven world that he was allowed to publish a book that blows apart this modern religion being forced up on us, but he has and it's an excellent read.

Well done, an excellent read and it really does make you open your eyes to what actually is warming the planet..........and every planet in the solar system at the same time, at the same rate.

For those who will no doubt feel a heart attack coming on at my coments, just remember that the same political bodies of so called 'experts' were telling us that in the early 1970's we were most certainly in the grip of an ice age........they were wrong then.

Singer uses a lot of evidence from the Arctic which in the summer of 2007 made world headlines due to the amount of shrinkage.....it was terrible, the bears will die, the world will drown etc etc (dribble). Why then did the same people not report that the ice coverage in Dec 07 had grown to the greatest on record since satellite imagery began in 1970??

The man made global warming robots are very good at scare tactics...which Singer exposes the use of this deceptive tactic well. (Tell 'em a bit, but leave other parts and and wow! Explosive headlines!) But the bigger picture.......well, that doesn't fit the new religion......does it?

Amazing .., 09 Dec 2007
There is a cycle and every scientific on earth know that. The problem is that humans are dirupting this cycle. What are the proof? Well, samples of the atmosphere frozen into the south and north pole giving us, so far, only 600 millions years of climate history.. And it has always been the same, going up and down at the same time and reached the same minimum and maximum.

However, in the last centuries we have disrupted this cycle and just made it worse. Humans are able to adapt but not that quickly and not for changes that will be harsher than the extremes of the last 600 millions years. Nobody wants to stop climate changes but everybody should try to attenuate the negative effect we have on it

Now you can try to help or you can read books funded by the CEI... (EXXON and others) but remember that, so far, no scientifics on earth has ever backed up their theories... Who wil you chose to believe? Your government (all of them: right or left) or researchers that will not benefit of the outcomes of their research if they are wrong?

Dirty Secret, 19 Sep 2008
I never thought I'd enjoy a book about human waste - but this book has proven that a good author can tell a fascinating story about anything. I think Rose George is very brave for addressing a very unsexy subject -- and the facts are powerful: what good is clean drinking water if 2.6 billion people in this world live in contaminated environments due to their own lack of toilets? This is thought-provoking stuff which - if taken seriously and acted upon - could change the lives of billions...

Food for thought....., 18 Sep 2008
The 'BIG NECESSITY' by Rose George, fearlessly tackles one of the worlds least talked about, yet one of its most important environmental and health issues. The 'BIG NECESSITY' is a journey through the world of human waste where she endeavours to quantify, rationalise and make sense of, how we across the planet choose to dispose of, that which we don't like to talk about. This intelligent, smart and sometimes witty book tackles its subject matter full on and I would 'highly recommend' it to anyone who has a genuine interest in the environment, health and of course public sanitation... a must read !!!!

Real Environmentalism, 18 Sep 2008
Almost as entertaining as it is fascinating. I say almost as I read most of the book in one session whilst stranded on an airport runway for 3 hours. In one sitting (pun intended) the topic does have the unfortunate effect of making one feel slightly nauseous at times.

If only there were more of this kind of reporting/writing about environmental issues, I would take more of an interest. This book puts into context how really serious issues are never dealt with when a nice picture of a poor fluffy polar bear and a "carbon footprint" calculator will do instead.

One can feel the sense of frustration of Rose and the people in the book at just how hard it is to make progress on such an important issue.

Ultimately I am not sure if I am optimistic that work like this will help in finding solutions or whether the book is just a testament to human natures ability to look the other way if problems don't affect them directly.

A definite recommend, 14 Nov 2003
This is our course text book for the Environmental Science module of my degree in Building Surveying, if you are interested in buidings (bearing in mind it is a text book) - it is still a pretty good read. For the course I'm studying it is first rate, very concise and clear, the sections we've used most are on the principles of heat, thermal insulation in buildings (U-values etc) and energy use in buildings (thermal comfort etc) it also covers acoustics, light, and water in equal depth. First rate, a definite recommend.

Yawn, 26 Oct 2008
I could say that this is a "Whirlwind of a book, transporting the reader into a world of action and adventure"... however I'd be lying.

You buy this book because you have to. However, if you do need to know what the laws and regulations pertaining to water really are, this is your book - and God have mercy on your soul.

Everything you need to know is in here but its layout leaves a huge amount to be desired and it can take eons to actually find the section you want.

Once you have found the relevant section you have to decipher the text, which was definitely influenced by members of the legal profession and as such occasionally makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.


Excellent course book for BPEC Water Regualtions, 28 Jun 2006
We recommended this book for students taking our BPEC Water Regaulations Certifcate here at PPL Plumbing Training in York. The book complements the BPEC course and has clear and helpful digrams. Backflow prevention is well documented and clearly explained - a first class book!


An Excellent And Beautifully Presented Book, 06 Oct 2004
I whole heartedly agree with the previous reviewer. This book is a must for anyone following either the C&G 6129 or NVQ2/3 track. The book very clearly and thoroughly explains the UK water regulations and Scottish (2000) byelaws with superb diagrams in full colour and no legal jargon. This book is a credit to the WRAS scheme, truly excellent.

An essential read for any one studying NVQ level 2 Plumbing., 23 Nov 2001
An informative book and a must have for any body taking NVQ level 2 Plumbing and any plumber in general that wants to keep upto date with the latest Water Regulations.

Good on Energy Politics (ish), 01 Dec 2008
I think that Heat is unnecessarily alarmist. Asking for a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 is simply silly. Monbiot's suggestions about how to go about it are very interesting and are what gives the book its merit. Energy resources are finite and should be conserved; my problem with Heat is that Monbiot has tacked his thesis onto the Global Warming bandwagon but without providing the science. Chapter 1 suggests that we all subscribe to the theory of man made global warming but, since he clearly feels the science to be a 'given', he declines to provide more than a few throwaway remarks. Chapter 2 is given over to 'climate change deniers'. The usual suspects from the Daily Mail and Exxon, but Monbiot does not seem to feel the need to do more than mock their intellectual inadequacies. And I dislike the use of the word 'deniers'; I do not feel that the debate is over about global warming. Monbiot clearly does.
I think it is a shame that the environment lobby today is assumed to go along with the theory of man made global warming - I think it provides distortions and limits legitimate debate; unlike Monbiot I do not prefer nuclear to coal.

A blueprint for action, 12 Aug 2008
It is a complaint frequently levelled at radicals that they produce no alternatives to the problems they identify. It says a lot about the quality of this book that one of the most commonly heard criticisms is that its research is too detailed and its solutions too thorough. It is clear that alternate political and social structures would make solving climate change easier. Monbiot knows this well but aims his argument at those who have no interest in altering systems of gross injustice at all. The tweaking he proposes, while requiring real political pressure on our part and something of a challenge to entrenched power, will compromise the quality of our lives barely at all. By making an argument of such comprehensivess, subtelty and foresight, he has exposed those who whinge about a sandal-wearing return to the stone age for what they are - arrogant narcissists who would rather shop in Paris and New York than prevent the mass flooding of Bangladesh. Absolutely essential. Read it. Then act.

Worthy, 06 Jul 2008
I have a great deal of admiration for George Monbiot and for his work.

There is a problem for the general non-academic reader with this book, however, since the subject matter demands an earnest approach, complete with minutely researched statistical corroboration. Such worthiness can become daunting and sometimes makes for a slow and difficult read. That is not necessarily a bad thing, of course, but I suspect it might close the book off to the very audience which neeeds to read and absorb it, i.e. the layman.

That said, there is a great deal of value in here; the use of Marlowe's "Dr. Faustus" is a clever but ultimately misplaced leitmotif and the (deliberately?) quirky suggestion that the future of public transport is the coach will be a little diffcult for many to swallow, but those caveats apart, this is one which rewards the effort it demands of the reader.

Well thought out arguments prove what COULD be done!, 20 Dec 2007
Heat is just superb - it achieves exactly what it sets out to do and does so using careful, understandable and well-researched (with sources) arguments. OK, there are people who may disagree with some of the interpretations, but few people could argue AGAINST the facts in this book.

My only problem is that the very people who should be reading it, are the least likely to want to. There's a degree of preaching to the converted (as there is with any book of this ilk), but it does give you the facts and figures to use for yourself.

Well done George Monbiot - you continue to be one of the most respected writers and speakers on what can be done to