In this brilliant, essential book, Friedman explains how global warming, rapidly growing populations, and the astonishing expansion of the world's middle class through globalization have produced a dangerously unstable planet that is "hot, flat, and crowded. " In just a few years, it will be too late to fix things-unless the United States steps up now and takes the lead with a worldwide strategy for clean energy, energy efficiency, and conservation. HOT, FLAT, AND CROWDED is classic Thomas L. Friedman: fearless, incisive, forward-looking, and rich in surprising common sense about the challenge-and the promise-of the future.