Friedman, who is already well known for an early book entitled The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century, makes an attempt to show how the future status of America, or anyone else, as a superpower will be decided by which nations are the first to take advantage of the growing need for environmentally sound, or green, technology. His basic argument is that this need will lead to demand that will convince both businesses and countries to step up to the plate and produce what is both needed and wanted.

He is a strong supporter of the idea that businesses will succeed, particularly if the governments of the world step in and require certain standards. These standards will basically jump start demand on the part of the consumer as they and the businesses realize how much money can be saved by being green with new technology such as new energy distribution grids that better manage usage throughout the whole day rather than just during peak hours and improving on technologies related to wind, solar, and water power.

Looking back on recent history, Friedman starts his argument by highlighting how petrodollars in the Middle East and other similar countries have helped produce dictatorial states that have more power and influence than their size, population, and history would indicate could be possible. These funds are also (intentionally or unintentionally) routed into the needy pockets of terrorists and other extreme groups.

Friedman also highlights the fact that we are at a turning point. While we do not begrudge up and coming countries like China, India and the rest of the developing world from striving to achieve a Western lifestyle, but the demand this will place on increasingly diminishing energy resources will require us to better produce and manage energy. The future superpowers will be the nations that step forward and become successful in doing just this. China is already doing surprisingly well, largely because the demands of such a large citizen population wanted to have cars and other modern amenities is forcing the government to find alternatives or be overburdened by crushing debt and an inability to meet demand, which could crumble support in the government.

In response, Friedman proposes that America has to consider the idea of a Green Race that would not be unlike the Space Race with Russia during the Twentieth Century. This would make the best use of our scientists and engineers in order to strive to be the first and the best at harnessing environmentally sound resources.

Overall, I thought this was a really interesting look at how government, economics, and the environment interact in ways that most people don't even consider. They also highlight that our current crisis is not just an ecological one. While that is a serious problem in and of itself, Friedman is basically suggesting that a failure to compete in the drive to make better use of energy resources will mean that America will fall behind in its role as leader of the free world. Other countries will become dominant because of the technologies they create and sell.

This really was an incredible examination of the topic. Not everyone can agree with his stance. Firstly, he is a big supporter of the idea of free global markets, which often worries a lot of people, particularly liberals. With that said, much of what he says about a need to find ways to live green lifestyles is true, and supported with valid arguments. I really liked the book, but it is not for everyone.