Mike Edwards, CEO and President of the Knoxville Chamber, leads a community discussion of the book Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution and How It Can Renew America by Thomas Friedman. In his groundbreaking book, Thomas Friedman discusses what he sees as America’s surprising loss of focus and national purpose since the September 11 terrorist attacks, as well as the global environmental crisis. Friedman explains why he believes this is a great challenge, but also a great opportunity—one that America cannot afford to miss. Not only is American leadership the key to the healing of the earth, it is also our best strategy for the renewal of America.

Edwards says he chose Hot, Flat, and Crowded because it "hits the nail on the head. We're facing a big uphill climb, but fortunately, in East Tennessee we've got some world class resources to deal with the issues ahead of us." (Recorded March 11, 2009)