Discover Top 100 Audiobooks in Science & Technology, Environment

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Title: Wind

Subtitle: How the Flow of Air Has Shaped Life, Myth, and the Land

Author: Jan DeBlieu

Narrator: Suzanne Toren

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 14 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-01-11

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Science & Technology, Environment

Publisher's Summary:

In the tradition of insightful investigations like Lewis Thomas Late Night Thoughts on Listening to Mahlers Ninth Symphony, and Sue Hubbells A Country Year, widely respected nature writer Jan DeBlieu offers a compelling look at a natural force that touches our lives every day. With a scientists eye for detail and a poets ear for language, DeBlieu examines one of natures most elemental forces. From a light breeze cooling a hot brow to a gale that blows apart buildings, no other natural phenomenon affects people as directly as wind. DeBlieu explores how wind has aided the rise and fall of empires, the discovery of continents, and the establishment of religions. Wind provides surprising, delightful insights into a force that constantly reshapes who we are and how we live. Suzanne Torens narration lends a voice of quiet, thoughtful authority to a subject youll never view the same again.

Members Reviews:

and other useful or just curiosity fulfilling information is in DeBlieu's well-crafted ...

I have wondered about the winds that shape the dunes, the water, the snowdrifts, and piles of leaves I see as I run. Why are some dunes steep; some leaves scattered; how can the layers of clouds be moving so differently---answers to at least parts of these, directions to where to go to find further information, and other useful or just curiosity fulfilling information is in DeBlieu's well-crafted book.

John Morelock "Run Gently Out There

Good read, although somewhat sentimental and less factual than ...

Good read, although somewhat sentimental and less factual than I was looking for . .. a perfect summer beach read.

Tremendous Breadth Of Coverage

When you first start reading this book, you're not quite sure how Ms DeBlieu is going to develop the topic. She uses a lot of local (Cape Hatteras) analogies and personal accounts, and there's this feeling in the back of your mind, "hmm, is this going to be just another nature book, about sand dunes and sailing ships?" But pretty soon, you're hooked. I've not read better descriptions of the major wind systems, or of the origins of hurricanes. And as she begins to dig into the effects of wind on civilization, you'll find this impossible to put down. The final chapter of wind power is especially remarkable. No, it's not just another nature book, not at all.

Four Stars

Great

A blow-by-blow account

The author, Jan DeBlieu, lives on the Outer Banks and knows wind intimately as anyone who lives there must. But her vision is much broader than local, and her style verges on the poetic, making this much more compelling than a mere local nature memoir. Her observations are acute enough that I could, for example, use her discussion of the effect of topography on wind and vegetation on Mount Washington, New Hampshire, to explain the phenomena one observes at and near tree-line in California's Sierra Nevada to my students afield. At one point she lists the local names for vicious katabatic (downslope) winds around the world, and includes the word "Zonda" without identifying its provenance. The Zonda blows down the fault valley between pre-Andean ranges and the Andes proper in the western part of San Juan Province, Argentina. It is quite capable of driving a susceptible soul stark-raving mad.

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Title: Trashing the Planet

Subtitle: How Science Can Help Us Deal with Acid Rain, Depletion of the Ozone, and Nuclear Waste (among Other Things)

Author: Dixy Lee Ray, Lou Guzzo

Narrator: Jeff Riggenbach

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 41 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-09-11

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: Science & Technology, Environment

Publisher's Summary:

Trashing the Planet is the one book you need to get a common-sense grasp on the contentious issues of environmentalism, where science and politics overlap and well-meaning idealism turns to counterproductive eco-terrorism. Dixy Lee Ray, a marine biologist and former chair of the Atomic Energy Commission, calls for environmentalists to regain a sense of perspective and not let their ardor carry them into the realm of noble lies. Dr. Ray exposes how little the public knows about the environment, how piddling are mans influences upon itvolcanoes shoot more pollutants into the atmosphere than do all of mans industrial activitiesand how complex are the interactions of natural phenomena. Reminding us that a well-tended garden is better than a neglected woodlot, Trashing the Planet is a breath of fresh air in the current debate dominated by rhetorical extremism.

Members Reviews:

Required Reading For Both Sides of the GreenDebate

This book does as good a job as any I've read at identifying the issues, investigating the substantive facts and drawing reasoned conclusions without jumping to the same politically-driven, pre-determined positions that we've heard ad nauseum in the pet media of both sides. It seems the more I learn about these often complex scientific issues, the more I have come to realize that both sides have some truth in their positions, but both are substantially wrong in the rigidity, dogmatism and simplistic jingoism of their stances and solutions. And that uninformed rigidity seems like a bigger obstacle to finding a workable solution to these problems than just about anything else.

In other words, there's way too much politics and not nearly enough science in the Green debate these days, in part because the science is often more complex and nuanced than a factoid on a flyer or a talking point on some pundit's cable TV show. But the authors of "Trashing the Planet" do a phenomenal job making the science not only understandable, but genuinely intriguing, and that alone should recommend it for wide consumption. I really enjoyed reading this book, and was pleasantly surprised at the way it pulled me through the chapters.

That said, I would not recommend this book if all you want is to have your existing views validated, whatever they may be. This book changed my perspective on a few things I thought I understood better than I actually did, and gave me a deeper perspective on many others. To me, that's the sign of a truly well-written, well-argued book. There will surely be folks on both sides of the debate who will find simplistic, politically-sanctioned ways to trash "Trashing the Planet." But to anyone with even a shred of doubt, a flicker of curiosity or a glimmer of desire to learn more about subjects that should transcend politics but rarely do, this book is a treasure.

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Title: Broadsides from the Other Orders

Subtitle: A Book of Bugs

Author: Sue Hubbell

Narrator: Barbara Caruso

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-28-11

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 8 votes

Genres: Science & Technology, Environment

Publisher's Summary:

Most of us think of bugs as pesky creatures we squish under our shoes or bat away with our hands. Under the microscope of Sue Hubbells keen eye emerges an exciting world we rarely take the time to see. Author of A Country Year, Hubbell writes regularly for The New Yorker, Smithsonian, and Discover magazines, bringing to her delightful essays the practical veracity of a gentlewoman farmer, and the style and élan of an eccentric who has found her bliss.

Members Reviews:

Odd Sound Detracts

Any additional comments?

There was an odd audio artifact that I've not heard with other audiobooks from Audible. Occasionally I could hear a faint repeat of the soundtrack in the background. It reminds me of the background of old audio tapes where the soundtrack would bleed onto adjacent tape on the reel.

So much fun!

What made the experience of listening to Broadsides from the Other Orders the most enjoyable?

It was really great to get a glimpse into the lives of so many different lovers-of-bugs. And the descriptions of the insects themselves and their habits were artful and inspiring.

What did you like best about this story?

Every chapter is different, keeping it fresh and interesting.

What does Barbara Caruso bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

Barbara's enthusiasm and honest admiration of entomologists, scientists, and insects really comes across in her voice. It is a delight to listen to.

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Title: Renewable Energy

Subtitle: A Common Sense Energy Plan

Author: Bradford Linscott

Narrator: Josh Kilbourne

Format: Abridged

Length: 5 hrs and 14 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-14-11

Publisher: Tate Publishing

Ratings: 2 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: Science & Technology, Environment

Publisher's Summary:

The United States is on the brink of an energy crisis. Every day, foreign oil and fossil fuels become more expensive and limited. Our energy needs increase while our power plants and power grids become more outdated. Our traditional energy sources damage the environment. With all of these energy problems, any clean, renewable energy source is a viable option, right?

In Renewable Energy: A Common Sense Energy Plan, Bradford Linscott addresses the impending energy problems our nation faces. He covers our nation's renewable energy options while taking into account the economic feasibility of implementing them on a large scale.

Linscott discusses the role foreign oil and fossil fuels play in our future and their environmental impact. He shares his Common Sense Energy Plan, which outlines a combination of clean, renewable energy sources and nuclear energy to sustain the power needs of the United States. Find out about our renewable energy options and our country's past, present, and viable future energy resources and plans in Renewable Energy: A Common Sense Energy Plan.

Members Reviews:

Misleading Title

The title and description of this book are both misleading. Given the content of the book, it should have been titled "A case for Nuclear and Hydrogen" as this is not a book about renewable energy alternatives- it is a case for moving to a Nuclear and Hydrogen based economy. In the book the author systematically dismisses (repeatedly) all forms of renewable energy except perhaps geothermal. He then goes on the say that Nuclear based electricity used to create hydrogen are the only 'serious' options available and that we should stop work in renewable energy (except large scale geothermal) and focus all efforts on building nuclear plants and a hydrogen infrastructure.

He repeatedly talks about the 'cost of energy today' as if it is a valid baseline. Given peak oil and the massive external costs (pollution, global warming) and subsidies given to fossil fuels, the baseline price paid per kilowatt hour or gallon of gas are not nearly reflective of the real costs.

Some of his criticisms of renewables are that they would require storage and grid upgrades, however he never discusses the possible use of renewables to actually create hydrogen, only focusing on using nuclear to create hydrogen. He's dismissive of issues with nuclear safety and radioactive waste and spends no time talking about potential unintended consequences of hydrogen.

One of the touted benefits of the futuristic US hydrogen economy is that the hydrogen supplyin the form of wateris virtually limitless. This assumption is taken for granted so much that no major study has fully considered just how much water a sustainable hydrogen economy would need. Less than 3% of the worlds water is fresh water and that amount of usable fresh water is in decline. Additionally, we go to where we are with fossil fuels based on faulty assumptions of relatively limitless supplies and no lasting environmental impacts. Do we really want to bet the farm on using water? It might be a good answer, but it needs better big picture analysis.

Other than sunlight, the earth is a closed loop system and any proposal to have an energy enconomy based on extraction (uranium and water) vs.

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Title: Blues

Author: John Hersey

Narrator: Norman Dietz

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 35 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-20-11

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Science & Technology, Environment

Publisher's Summary:

Bluefish, writes the author, are animated chopping machines. They will eat anything alive. They have stripped the toes from surfers in Florida. They cant not eat. Hersey weaves fact and legend around his subject, engaging the reader with juicy details of ocean life, philosophy, natural history, and the crises into which man has let his environment slide.

Members Reviews:

No Blues here

Would you consider the audio edition of Blues to be better than the print version?

Yes

Who was your favorite character and why?

The bluefish

What about Norman Dietzs performance did you like?

The way he could be both characters.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Wish I could, but don't have that kind of time.

Any additional comments?

A great audible book about an interesting species of fish. Highly recommended

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Title: Humans and the Natural Environment

Author: Dana Desonie

Narrator: Chuck Burke

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 56 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-15-11

Publisher: University Press Audiobooks

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Science & Technology, Environment

Publisher's Summary:

No other species in Earth's history has been able to disregard the natural laws that govern population size quite like humans have. But population growth has come with an increase in resource consumption, which has created a number of environmental problems: Farmland is being degraded, fresh water is becoming polluted, fish are being overharvested, forests are being flattened, fossil fuel emissions are driving global warming, and the list goes on. Many scientists suggest that society must now develop sustainably, improving the current economic and social circumstances while protecting the environment for future generations. The book is published by Chelsea House Publishers, a leading publisher of educational material.

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Title: Climate

Subtitle: Causes and Effects of Climate Change

Author: Dana Desonie

Narrator: Diana Dorman

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 7 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-14-10

Publisher: University Press Audiobooks

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Science & Technology, Environment

Publisher's Summary:

Climate is an informative introduction to the subject of climate change. Though climate change is normal in Earth's history, global warming has raised average temperatures to their highest in two millennia, resulting in melting ice caps, shorter winters, changes in the seasonal behaviors of animals, and more extreme weather. And though greenhouse gases are essential for keeping the planet's temperatures comfortable, fossil fuel burning and other human activities are increasing greenhouse gas levels and causing temperatures to rise.

While a decade ago many scientists were skeptical that human activities could impact the climate system, their models now show that only human activities can account for the magnitude of changes being seen. Climate is a timely book that discusses the issue of global warming and what we can do to prevent its rise.

Written in a clear, accessible manner, this book addresses how people must use energy more efficiently, develop alternative energy sources, and lower emissions technologies. The book is published by Chelsea House Publishers, a leading publisher of educational material.

Members Reviews:

Climate Causes and effects of climate change

For grades 6 - 12

Each book in the Our Fragile Planet series focuses on the causes and effects of climate change and human impact on the atmosphere, biosphere, climate, geosphere, the natural environment, hydrosphere, oceans, and polar regions. Each fact-filled book includes photographs, charts, and graphs along with a glossary, an index, and references for further reading. The information found in this series will engage children(tm)s curiosity and provide them with a sense of stewardship.

This volume focuses on how climate works and the natural and human causes of climate change. It explains how scientists learn about the past and present climate and how scientists predict future climate change.The second section explains the visible effects of climate change and discusses climate change in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Finally, the author discusses a warmer future, explaining the future consequences of global warming and the "tipping point." The last section explains ways to approach the climate change problem. Readers consider the options humans have for responding to this challenge.

This thought-provoking book will make children and adults view our fragile planet in a new way. Written for students in grades 6 through 12, it could also be read by some elementary students. It would also be an excellent reference book for teachers. Teachers using differentiated instruction would find this book very useful.

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Robust Planet

The idea behind this series of school textbooks is presented on the front cover: Our Fragile Planet. The book presents data to show that our climate is changing rapidly, with global warming the main result. The author bases her arguments on the latest IPCC report, which we now know is flawed at many points. Examples include erroneous predictions about the melting of Himalayan glaciers, the percentage of land in Holland below sea level and mistake references to the sensitivity of the amazonian forests to warming.

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Title: American Pests

Subtitle: Environmental Hazards in Daily Life and the Science of Epidemiology

Author: James E. McWilliams

Narrator: David Zinn

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-23-10

Publisher: Caravan

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Science & Technology, Environment

Publisher's Summary:

Inspired by the still-revolutionary theories of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring, James E. McWilliams argues for a more harmonious and rational approach to our relationship with insects, one that does not harm our environment and, consequently, ourselves along the way.

Beginning with the early techniques of colonial farmers and ending with the modern use of chemical insecticides, McWilliams deftly shows how America's war on insects mirrors its continual struggle with nature, economic development, technology, and federal regulation. He reveals a very American paradox: the men and women who settled and developed this country sought to control the environment and achieve certain economic goals; yet their methods of agricultural expansion undermined their efforts and linked them even closer to the inexorable realities of the insect world.

Critic Reviews:

"[A] colorful chronicle of pest management in the United States... As well written as it is thorough." (Publishers Weekly)

"[McWilliams'] book should resonate in these times of GM temptations and global food shortages." (Times Literary Supplement)

"[McWilliams] knows how to address unusual historical topics in rich detail... Poignant... Thorough... Recommended." (Library Journal)

Members Reviews:

It's easier to incite than educate.

The narrator is dryer than week old toast. The book itself is dangerous. Peppering flawed arguments with bits of truth which will lead the weak minded and gullible to assert they've been poisoned by the Judas Goat of industry, i.e. the pest control technician. Integrated Pest Management uses habitat modification, biological and finally chemical control to allow humans to produce food, fabrics and to limit the vectors which spread disease. This book does not take into account that professionals are licensed and educated to deal with these pest without harming people, pets or the environment. If you enjoy biting into an apple and finding half a caterpillar or picking the larvae of meal moths out of your morning bowl of granola, this is the book for you. If you, however, have pulled cockroaches out of the ear of a two-month old child or seen the result of a severe bedbug infestation in a home for developmentally disabled adults then you will find this book infuriating. Either way, do not operate heavy machinery while listening to it.

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Title: Fueling the Planet

Subtitle: The Past, Present, and Future of Energy

Author: Michael B. McElroy

Narrator: Michael B. McElroy

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 27 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-29-09

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 26 votes

Genres: Science & Technology, Environment

Publisher's Summary:

Renowned professor Michael B. McElroy leads a comprehensive examination of energy, including its history, use in the world today, and environmental consequences. Whether discussing the "oil shocks" of the 1970s, the current reliance on imported oil, or the growing buildup of carbon dioxide in the planet's atmosphere, it is clear that energy represents one of the world's most daunting challenges. In these informed, easy-to-follow lectures, Professor McElroy imparts a clear understanding of energy - in all its applications - and offers a vision for a clean, safe, and sustainable future.

©2009 Michael B. McElroy; (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

Members Reviews:

If You Appreciate Quality Lecture

Unlike most other offerings from Audible, this is a lecture series, not a performed book. So, if you expect a book, it may not be to your liking. I appreciate education and good lecture and therefore greatly enjoyed this selection. Each lecture is of equal length. (Book chapters vary)

I am interested in the topic and know a bit about it. So for me, some material was not new. However, the material is presented so clearly that I enjoyed the refresher. I especially like professor McElroy's style. He's a superb, to the point speaker.

I recommend this title with all possible stars if you enjoy learning, want to to learn about energy use world-wide and can appreciate a lecture-style delivery.

Something to note: most lecture titles are simply recordings of delivered lectures. This seems to be designed for audio distribution. This is a very important point because you do not get long moments of hearing someone write on a blackboard you cannot see or working through a diagram you do not have. That makes these lectures very easy to follow and free of the usual frustrations that go with 'taped' lectures.

Chris Reich

The BEST book I've heard on Energy!

This is a very intelligent and informative set of lectures. The material is communicated in a very interesting and fascinating way and the professor has an engaging, conversational manner that is very easy to listen to. Lots of history, facts, numbers and explanations. I could hear no bias or ideology and was given the facts and left to come to my own conclusions. Prof. McElroy covers all types of energy sources, giving their pros and cons. He deals with CO2 build ups, nuclear issues, global energy issues, renewable and non-renewable fuels along with the famous people involved in the history of energy. I loved every minute!

A very good book,very interesting, I couldn't stop listening to it!!

Excellent Grounding

If you enjoy a sage perspective and a broad context for honing your knowledge so you can get a fix on the energy challenges we face, this is a marvelous primer.

The Professor, with obviously comprehensive credentials, narrates the book as a series of 14 lectures, allowing the listener to build a firm grasp on background and issues. His thinking is logical, his style is low key and direct, he has no personal axe to grind and where these is no model to lend basis for an answer (even when others have been unambiguous in their beliefs), he is honest enogh to say so...and why. I found myself wanting to buy his book and go to the recommended website(s).

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Title: Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Subtitle: Science & Nature

Author: iMinds

Narrator: Ellouise Rothwell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-18-09

Publisher: iMinds

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 11 votes

Genres: Science & Technology, Environment

Publisher's Summary:

Learn about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch with iMinds insightful audio knowledge series. In 1997, a Californian man named Charles Moore was sailing home from Hawaii after competing in a boat race. On a whim, he decided to change course and head through a part of the eastern Pacific Ocean known as the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. Known to seafarers as "the doldrums", this is an area of light or no wind and little boat traffic. Its calm weather is due to a permanent column of high pressure air, which causes the ocean for hundreds of miles across to swirl slowly towards its center.

As Moore headed into the Gyre, he started to notice an unsettling amount of debris floating in the water. The closer he got to the center, the more garbage there appeared to be, and the vast majority of it was obviously of human origin. In fact, most of it was discarded plastic.

Perfect to listen to while commuting, exercising, shopping or cleaning the house.. iMinds brings knowledge to your MP3 with 8 minute information segments to whet your mental appetite and broaden your mind.

iMinds offers 12 main categories; become a Generalist by increasing your knowledge of Business, Politics, People, History, Pop Culture, Mystery, Crime, Culture, Religion, Concepts, Science and Sport. Clean and concise, crisp and engaging, discover what you never knew you were missing.

iMinds is the knowledge solution for the information age cutting through the white noise to give you quick, accurate knowledge .. Perfect your dinner party conversation, impress your boss - an excellent way to discover topics of interest for the future.

Editorial Reviews:

After competing in a yacht Race, Charles Moore left Hawaii to return to his home in California when he came upon a large amount of floating garbage in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The phenomenon is explained in this iMinds production, describing how ocean currents and the un-biodegradable nature of the refuse help to create this mass of garbage in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, as well as the threat it poses to marine life. With a sweet and steady tone, Elouise Rothwell explains the science behind the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, counterbalancing the fascinating environmental horror.

Critic Reviews:

"I'm learning all sorts of stuff about stuff I didn't even know I didn't know. And it sticks. In a nutshell: wonderful." (Jonathon Margolis, Financial Times)

Members Reviews:

Background music too LOUD

The Background music is too LOUD so it was hard to hear the person talking.