The book is divided into 5 sections: Gaia’s tools, One in Ten Thousand, The Science of Prediction, People in Greenhouses and The Solution. Personally, sections 3, The Science of Prediction, and 5, The Solution, were my favourite. Unless you’re a science or climate geek (like myself) the book can seem a little dry, but it is possible to read a section and put it down while you entertain yourself with something a little lighter.

I read the 2005 edition and from what I can tell online the book has not been updated. That’s not to say it’s out of date; the information presented is still relevant. I recommend this book to the climate enthusiast and the climate rookie; there is something for everybody in it.

Here is what you can expect to see:

1. Pedestrian Deaths: Recently in Toronto there has been a spike in pedestrian-auto collisions, many resulting in fatalities. I’d like to explore some causes, some of the rational behind them and offer some suggestions as to how we can mitigate future fatalities.

2. Micro-loans: It should pave the way for brighter futures for those in Developing Nations, especially women. Micro-loans are designed to give people that first start they need to get a business rolling. In many of these countries women face many social injustices, micro-loans allow these women to try and overcome these barriers.

3. McGuinty’s Green Energy Plan: A lot of controversy has risen over the source of product for the renewable energy source. With much of it from Samsung and built off-shore Ontarian’s are criticizing McGuinty’s actions.

4. Environmental Assessment: In my last semester of my masters of engineering I am taking a class on environmental assessment. I will try and post weekly commentary on what is new and interesting

5. Book Review: I’ve read quite a bit over the last few weeks and on my new Kindle (thanks to @phryl).  While you may not be so intersted in my opinion of the twilight series I have read some more enlightening and engaging material. The next one I am hoping to read is Jeffrey Sachs’ The End of Poverty.

These will be out shortly, check back for updates.

My full review can be found here.

The book was amazing. Jane Jacobs helped to shape Toronto to who it is today – full of character, full of life, and full of interesting people and places.

Her book definitely changed my perception of Toronto, or any city for that matter. But for Toronto you can see evidence of Jacobs all over; the piers of an unfinished Gardiner Expressway, The Allen Road, which seems to go no where yet doesn’t dissect anymore neighbourhoods, or the various sections of our city from Little Italy, to Little Portugal, to Riverdale.

Jacob’s read is a must for any planner or city lover out there.

Late August the Globe and Mail published an article Zoom, Zoom, Crash, Bang a comment by Margaret Wente discussing why men and women are inherently different drivers. What she also mentioned was Tom Vanderbilt’s new book Traffic. After reading the article I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the book, and I was not disappointed. I highly recommend reading this extraordinary book. It’s insightful, it’s witty, it is a great collection of various driving habits of the world.

Read my book review here.

The first book I included was The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield.

I welcome your reviews and comments.