Al Gore is the writer of two previous books: An Inconvenient Truth, which spoke about the dangers of climate change and was made into an Academy Award-winning documentary, and The Assault on Reason, which examined democracy in America and the problems it faces. In The Future: Six Drivers of Global Change, Al Gore is more ambitious because he's trying to address more than one specific problem. You still see elements of his previous books in this one, such as, for example, an analysis of the American democratic system, which Gore says has been "hacked," but you also get a bigger picture of what the world is facing today.
As far as American democracy goes, Gore suggests that Congress has become dependent on lobbyists to raise money for re-election, thus giving a lot more power to large industries. This leads into greater inequalities in income and prevents reform which is particularly necessary at this time, given the high rate of unemployment and the problems facing the public education system. To Gore, it seems as though Americans, like ancient Romans, are dependent on "Panem et Circenses" or bread and circuses. In our modern world, the place of circuses is taken by television where people watch big industry-sponsored programs and advertisements which lull them into believing that all is right with the world.
However, as Gore points out, the environmental issues he has addressed earlier are far from being resolved. Carbon emissions are still extremely high and can lead to flooding in some places and the creation of a desert-like environment in others. The technology spurt we are seeing has led to problems with privacy which are only likely to keep growing. Medical technology, though beneficial, may have a sinister result in the future if people are allowed to choose the traits their unborn babies possess.
Overall, Gore addresses many important problems and issues that people ought to be looking at but that are largely going ignored. By writing about them, Gore hopes to spread information and, hopefully, lead into greater democratic reform. As people become more aware, they will take issues into their own hands instead of settling for the half-truths they are being fed.
Albert Gore was born in Washington D.C., the son of a U.S. representative later to become Senator. His childhood was spent partly in D.C. and partly on the family farm in Tennessee. He went to Harvard and married Mary Elizabeth "Tipper" Aitcheson whom he had known since his high school days, and they had four children before separating in 2010. He served in Vietnam, and, after returning dispirited, decided to attend Vanderbilt University Divinity School to explore spiritual issues. He served in the U.S. Congress for 16 years and as Vice President under the Clinton administration. In 2000, he ran for President and won the popular vote but lost the Electoral College to George W. Bush. He is an author who has won the Nobel Peace Prize for his environmental activism.
"Insightful and measured, you finish the book as inspired as you are scared. As Gore continues to lay out and focus on some of the biggest challenges facing us today, it's impossible to not give pause and remember the 2000 election. I really wish this Al Gore would have better shown the electorate at that time who he really was and what he was capable. Say what you will about the appropriate size of government. Policy is so crucial to piloting humanity, and I have no doubt he would have plotted a much better course through the better part of the aughts than what we were left with."
— Kory (5 out of 5 stars)
“The passion is unmistakable. So is the knowledge. Practically every page offers an illumination.”
— Bloomberg Report“Gore takes on a subject whose scale matches that of his achievements and ambition.”
— New York Times Book Review“A luminously intelligent analysis that is packed with arresting ideas and facts.”
— Guardian“Gore’s strengths lie in his passion for the subject and in his ability to take the long view by putting current events and trends in historical context.”
— Publishers Weekly“A tour de force of Big Picture thinking.”
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)" It did not work for me. It was like dozens of his political speeches stapled together. I kept thinking "Am I am reading a teleprompter of scanned in speech writer material?" I tried, but did not finish this heavy tome. "
— John, 2/18/2014" This book isn't just about global warming. It isn't only about today's politics. It is about these two things and much much more. It is about this world we live in today and our future. Do we have a future with all that is going on today? He thinks so. He is very optimistic. He doesn't think it is too late to fix global warming. A very smart, intelligent man that has written one of the best books of 2013! "
— Sherman, 2/3/2014" Well written with lots of ideas I had not considered. Many new issues to ponder. I had not considered the impact of technology/robotics field on global employment. Another idea was the driverless cars - had no idea they were being actively tested. His questioning of medical advances was particularly interesting. "
— Linda, 1/7/2014" This is the most frightening book I have every read. His coverage is incredible, the depth is thorough, the language crisp and precise. "
— John, 1/4/2014" Non sono riuscito a finirlo. Francamente mi pare un po' scontato. "
— Alfonso, 12/24/2013" Agree or disagree this book offers some great perspective. It covers a lot of ground and ultimately, you still need to do your own research on each topic to obtain a balanced view and come to your own conclusions. "
— Michael, 12/13/2013" wow......this should be a textbook.... "
— Christine, 12/13/2013" A very well researched book full of useful information to use as primary source material. Most know everything in the book but the Bernaysian influence on our subconscious mind is revealed and an objective view is made possible through this revelation. "
— Diane, 11/25/2013" Awesome look into the near future with Al Gore and his researched insight. Listened to Al read it via audible and I'm currently listening to it a second time through. "
— Dirk, 10/25/2013" Dense, topical and well-articulated path for human, social and economic growth without destroying the environment in the process. "
— John, 9/19/2013" Put me right to sleep. Zzzzzzzzz "
— Hanna, 9/8/2013" This was probably more interesting as a PowerPoint. "
— Roxanne, 5/1/2013" Really good but really technical. "
— Natasha, 4/18/2013" timely but boring. "
— Kathie, 2/14/2013" A pretty incredible story-web revealing the technological, political, and environmental crises facing the planet today that will characterize a radically reshaped future. My review on Helium says more. "
— Tucker, 1/21/2013Al Gore, former vice president of the United States, is co-founder and chairman of Generation Investment Management. He is also a senior partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, and a member of Apple Inc.’s board of directors. Gore spends the majority of his time as chairman of The Climate Reality Project, a nonprofit devoted to solving the climate crisis. Gore was elected to the United States House of Representatives four times and the Senate twice. He served eight years as vice president. He authored the bestsellers Earth in the Balance, An Inconvenient Truth, The Assault on Reason, and Our Choice. He was a co-recipient of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.