What do you think?
Rate this book
Creating Climate Wealth: Unlocking the Impact Economy
Creating Climate Wealth is about how climate change - the biggest challenge of our time –can be turned into a $10 trillion dollar wealth-creating opportunity. Author Jigar Shah, internationally recognized for revolutionizing the now multi-billion-dollar solar energy industry, outlines how entrepreneurs and investors can unlock the massive potential that climate change represents. Shah argues that, while new technical innovation is valuable, deployment of existing technologies are the key to reaching our near-term climate targets. Rather than waiting for yet to be developed technology, business model innovation is the key to attract mainstream capital and unlock transformational change. Shah makes a compelling case for reaching our 2020 climate change goals through 100,000 companies worldwide, each generating $100 million in sales. Unlocking our next economy will be driven by thousands of companies deploying existing clean and resource-efficient technologies in electricity-supply (like solar), transportation, building materials, industry, forestry, waste, and agriculture. Shah is not alone; according to the International Energy Agency, and others, $10 trillion can be invested profitably—today—in the world’s existing technologies, making Shah’s plan of 100,000 companies each generating $100 million in sales a reality in catalyzing a new economy in the process. Creating Climate Wealth is also the personal story of Shah’s journey through the solar industry and the founding of SunEdison, the world’s largest solar energy company. Through business model innovations, SunEdison helped trigger the multi-billion dollar solar energy services industry. Shah’s revolutionary approach has been emulated throughout the solar industry. But perhaps more important, it is also being adapted for other industrial sectors like agriculture and transportation – unlocking incredible new revenue streams, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs, and positively transforming the planet on a global level. This implementation of business-based solutions to solve complex social problems represents a new economic movement; driven by “Impact Investments.” Impact Investments are changing the world for the better, promoting development and economic growth, and encouraging local entrepreneurship. Unlocking these opportunities represent the largest wealth creation opportunity of our generation. Whether you are interested in climate change, poverty alleviation, or just promoting projects that make financial sense, this book is for you. Jigar Shah provides a proven roadmap to understanding the Impact Economy, and creating the lasting changes that will improve our world for future generations.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2013
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 1, 2017
Perhaps it's because I'm used to hearing Jigar in a podcast format, but I would have preferred Creating Climate Wealth as a 25-part podcast series instead of a book. Shah shares factoids about the value of cleantech business, his personal insights into the struggles of entrepreneurship, green entrepreneurs can go next, and the role of mainstream capital and government rule-making that will guide them there. However, there's little logical flow to how these insights are delivered or sequenced into chapters - I stand by my original observation that a ghost writer listened to Jigar talk for 12 hours and then condensed it into a book. The book format is also a disservice to the message because Shah likes to cite specific companies who are leading innovation. But after four years in such a fast-moving industry, I had to google all the companies mentioned to see if they still existed. Notable names like SolarCity, Vivent, Uber, and Nest are missing completely (intentionally?). I see books as a format best suited to delivering an author's fundamental thoughts about their topic, and by mixing the essential and the "whats happening now" in this book, Shah leaves you wondering parts of Creating Climate Wealth are still relevant today.
I would probably recommend Creating Climate Wealth as a good introduction to cleantech for those working outside the sector. For someone like myself who reads GreenTechMedia, listens to the Energy Gang, and works for a solar company, many of Shah's "reveals" are not surprising. The green companies I have worked for were founded on the principles that he describes, which gives me great respect for the entrepreneurs who took the first leap to put these words into action. But to someone who works in some of the industries mentioned in the final chapters - agriculture, marine shipping, trucking, and personal transport - some of the ideas mentioned may be truly thought-provoking and inspirational.
As a former SunEdison employee, it was also sad to read this book and come to a fuller understanding of the hard work, dedication, and bravery that went into building the revolutionary company before it self-imploded into bankruptcy. It seems that since the PPA survived, Jigar is fulfilled in that his concept reached mass deployment, beyond the fortunes of any one company. For me, though, the thought of entrusting your brainchild to someone who subsequently nuked it is distressing, and I feel guilty for being part of the team who took part in the downfall... I'm probably not well-suited to entrepreneurship.
I would probably recommend Creating Climate Wealth as a good introduction to cleantech for those working outside the sector. For someone like myself who reads GreenTechMedia, listens to the Energy Gang, and works for a solar company, many of Shah's "reveals" are not surprising. The green companies I have worked for were founded on the principles that he describes, which gives me great respect for the entrepreneurs who took the first leap to put these words into action. But to someone who works in some of the industries mentioned in the final chapters - agriculture, marine shipping, trucking, and personal transport - some of the ideas mentioned may be truly thought-provoking and inspirational.
As a former SunEdison employee, it was also sad to read this book and come to a fuller understanding of the hard work, dedication, and bravery that went into building the revolutionary company before it self-imploded into bankruptcy. It seems that since the PPA survived, Jigar is fulfilled in that his concept reached mass deployment, beyond the fortunes of any one company. For me, though, the thought of entrusting your brainchild to someone who subsequently nuked it is distressing, and I feel guilty for being part of the team who took part in the downfall... I'm probably not well-suited to entrepreneurship.
November 9, 2014
I enjoyed hearing Jigar Shah and Ann Davlin speak during SXSWEco 2014 in Austin. It was after that presentation that I obtained a copy of the book, and Jigar was kind enough to autograph it.
The knowledge imparted is impressive. Jigar discusses how his pioneering company SunEdison came into existence (including both the challenges and how the company became such a rousing success); his subsequent impact investment projects; and how "each investment delivers compelling financial returns, creates jobs, and solves a pressing local problem today - and tomorrow."
Jigar notes, "I am an entrepreneur, and I believe that the 'controlled chaos' of free markets drives economic growth. Government is the control, and entrepreneurs create the chaos." I myself have been intrigued by the push-and-pull between these two forces, and appreciated his call for balance so that entrepreneurs can avoid what Jigar calls the "valley of death" created by excessive regulatory hurdles.
The idea that inventing more technological gadgets will solve all the world's problems is thoughtfully questioned in the book (there are many already in existence waiting to be implemented). Insights about working with banks and investors, hiring the right people, understanding human motivations, and expecting the unexpected are also discussed.
The wisdom of funding upfront costs - even if they seem prohibitively expensive at the start - and looking to the long-term is a great takeaway from the book. Jigar insists, "Infrastructure investment is the largest wealth creation opportunity on the planet - and today's opportunity is in climate wealth creation." We need to rethink what we are already doing, consider new business models, refocus and move in new directions. Jigar tells the reader how that might be done.
There is great wisdom in this book. I came away thinking that change for the better is possible. We can both strengthen world economies and improve the natural environment. And the thought also sprang to mind, "Jigar Shah for President!"
The knowledge imparted is impressive. Jigar discusses how his pioneering company SunEdison came into existence (including both the challenges and how the company became such a rousing success); his subsequent impact investment projects; and how "each investment delivers compelling financial returns, creates jobs, and solves a pressing local problem today - and tomorrow."
Jigar notes, "I am an entrepreneur, and I believe that the 'controlled chaos' of free markets drives economic growth. Government is the control, and entrepreneurs create the chaos." I myself have been intrigued by the push-and-pull between these two forces, and appreciated his call for balance so that entrepreneurs can avoid what Jigar calls the "valley of death" created by excessive regulatory hurdles.
The idea that inventing more technological gadgets will solve all the world's problems is thoughtfully questioned in the book (there are many already in existence waiting to be implemented). Insights about working with banks and investors, hiring the right people, understanding human motivations, and expecting the unexpected are also discussed.
The wisdom of funding upfront costs - even if they seem prohibitively expensive at the start - and looking to the long-term is a great takeaway from the book. Jigar insists, "Infrastructure investment is the largest wealth creation opportunity on the planet - and today's opportunity is in climate wealth creation." We need to rethink what we are already doing, consider new business models, refocus and move in new directions. Jigar tells the reader how that might be done.
There is great wisdom in this book. I came away thinking that change for the better is possible. We can both strengthen world economies and improve the natural environment. And the thought also sprang to mind, "Jigar Shah for President!"
June 9, 2014
Jigar Shah is the founder of SunEdison where he transformed the solar industry by creating a business model that offers solar power as a service in the form of Power Purchase Agreements, as opposed to marketing solar panels and equipment. In “Creating Climate Wealth,” Shah explains that climate change presents us with countless opportunities to solve our energy needs, make trillions of dollars, and strengthen global economies. He maintains that the solutions and technology exist right now to achieve our clean energy goals by 2020. He then describes how this is possible through innovation and renovation. Innovation can be achieved not through new technology but by implementing existing technology with a new business model – which is really an old business model. Entrepreneurship and small businesses financed by Impact Investments, he insists, are the keys to expanding the future of clean energy.
In order to tackle the challenge of renovation, Shah teamed up with Sir Richard Branson and the Carbon War Room (CWR) to show existing companies the cost effectiveness of energy efficiency. In truth, most CEOs are more committed to their bottom lines than to cleaning up the environment. When clean energy operations save them money they don’t hesitate to hop on board. Even climate change deniers understand the almighty dollar.
Shah’s view of climate change as anything but a crisis is refreshing and inspiring. He is not marketing a theory. He is revealing a proven strategy which is currently providing clean energy solutions worldwide. Shah’s common sense approach combined with his conversational tone make for a captivating and easy read. “Creating Climate Wealth” should be required reading for every human on planet Earth. There is a future and it’s up to us to create it.
In order to tackle the challenge of renovation, Shah teamed up with Sir Richard Branson and the Carbon War Room (CWR) to show existing companies the cost effectiveness of energy efficiency. In truth, most CEOs are more committed to their bottom lines than to cleaning up the environment. When clean energy operations save them money they don’t hesitate to hop on board. Even climate change deniers understand the almighty dollar.
Shah’s view of climate change as anything but a crisis is refreshing and inspiring. He is not marketing a theory. He is revealing a proven strategy which is currently providing clean energy solutions worldwide. Shah’s common sense approach combined with his conversational tone make for a captivating and easy read. “Creating Climate Wealth” should be required reading for every human on planet Earth. There is a future and it’s up to us to create it.
February 6, 2016
In Creating climate wealth, Jigar Shah presents the fundamentals of what mankind needs to do if it is to turn the energy efficiency and renewable energy business into a huge industry that not only helps us protect our planet and live in a more sustainable way, but also creates wealth of the kind so far generated by the fossil-fuel industry.
Shah uses excellent examples in order to present his arguments, which are well-founded and absolutely correct. Most notably, he explains how business model (not technological) innovation helped him not only succeed in growing SunEdison, but also how this triggered a multi-billion dollar industry that, in his view, actually represents a multi-trillion dollar opportunity.
The author justifiedly comes back to the SunEdison example several times, but he also refers to other companies in which he is either an investor or a board member. In my opinion, these examples sound sometimes too biased and he would have done better by not mentioning those companies explicitly.
Shah's prose is not what makes this book interesting; it really is the content. The author does an excellent job of presenting real examples, reliable figures and great ideas in a structured manner. The concepts he introduces are very clear and his suggestions are generally easy to follow by the reader.
All in all, a recommended book, especially for those not well-versed in the world of renewable energy. You will definitely learn how we can create climate wealth and how the future looks like. Because it will definitely look like Jigar Shah predicts. There is no question about that.
Shah uses excellent examples in order to present his arguments, which are well-founded and absolutely correct. Most notably, he explains how business model (not technological) innovation helped him not only succeed in growing SunEdison, but also how this triggered a multi-billion dollar industry that, in his view, actually represents a multi-trillion dollar opportunity.
The author justifiedly comes back to the SunEdison example several times, but he also refers to other companies in which he is either an investor or a board member. In my opinion, these examples sound sometimes too biased and he would have done better by not mentioning those companies explicitly.
Shah's prose is not what makes this book interesting; it really is the content. The author does an excellent job of presenting real examples, reliable figures and great ideas in a structured manner. The concepts he introduces are very clear and his suggestions are generally easy to follow by the reader.
All in all, a recommended book, especially for those not well-versed in the world of renewable energy. You will definitely learn how we can create climate wealth and how the future looks like. Because it will definitely look like Jigar Shah predicts. There is no question about that.
April 20, 2015
This is not a page-turner, nor is it a critical analysis of climate change and solar energy. It IS a handbook of cleantech business insights, written by a cleantech genius. I interviewed Jigar Shah for my upcoming book SOLAR'S CRUCIBLE. If this is what you're looking for, I recommend it highly.
April 5, 2021
I would probably recommend Creating Climate Wealth as a good introduction to cleantech for those working outside the sector. Jigar Shah is the founder of SunEdison where he transformed the solar industry by creating a business model that offers solar power as a service in the form of Power Purchase Agreements, as opposed to marketing solar panels and equipment. In “Creating Climate Wealth,” Shah explains that climate change presents us with countless opportunities to solve our energy needs, make trillions of dollars, strengthen global economies and how "each investment delivers compelling financial returns, creates jobs, and solves a pressing local problem today - and tomorrow."
Shah maintains that the solutions and technology exist right now to achieve our clean energy goals by 2020. He then describes how this is possible through innovation and renovation. Innovation can be achieved not through new technology but by implementing existing technology with a new business model (not technological). Entrepreneurship and small businesses financed by Impact Investments, he insists, are the keys to expanding the future of clean energy.
In order to tackle the challenge of renovation, Shah teamed up with Richard Branson and the Carbon War Room (CWR) to show existing companies the cost effectiveness of energy efficiency. In truth, most CEOs are more committed to their bottom lines than to cleaning up the environment. When clean energy operations save them money they don’t hesitate to hop on board. Even climate change deniers understand the almighty dollar. Shah’s view of climate change as anything but a crisis is refreshing and inspiring. He is not marketing a theory. He is revealing a proven strategy which is currently providing clean energy solutions worldwide. Shah’s common sense approach combined with his conversational tone make for a captivating and easy read. “Creating Climate Wealth” should be required reading for every human on planet Earth. There is a future and it’s up to us to create it.
Shah maintains that the solutions and technology exist right now to achieve our clean energy goals by 2020. He then describes how this is possible through innovation and renovation. Innovation can be achieved not through new technology but by implementing existing technology with a new business model (not technological). Entrepreneurship and small businesses financed by Impact Investments, he insists, are the keys to expanding the future of clean energy.
In order to tackle the challenge of renovation, Shah teamed up with Richard Branson and the Carbon War Room (CWR) to show existing companies the cost effectiveness of energy efficiency. In truth, most CEOs are more committed to their bottom lines than to cleaning up the environment. When clean energy operations save them money they don’t hesitate to hop on board. Even climate change deniers understand the almighty dollar. Shah’s view of climate change as anything but a crisis is refreshing and inspiring. He is not marketing a theory. He is revealing a proven strategy which is currently providing clean energy solutions worldwide. Shah’s common sense approach combined with his conversational tone make for a captivating and easy read. “Creating Climate Wealth” should be required reading for every human on planet Earth. There is a future and it’s up to us to create it.
February 23, 2023
Interesting ideas for building climate wealth and I liked how Jigar comments the opportunities in many sectors such as building, shipping, agriculture...
However, throughout the book I found the message a bit repetitive. It makes sense since it is one clear idea and he supports his point through different sectors but I believe it's more of a writing style issue that it ends being a bit repetitive.
The basic ideas are inspiring though.
I'd recommend if you're interested in the topic.
However, throughout the book I found the message a bit repetitive. It makes sense since it is one clear idea and he supports his point through different sectors but I believe it's more of a writing style issue that it ends being a bit repetitive.
The basic ideas are inspiring though.
I'd recommend if you're interested in the topic.
June 16, 2021
Amazing book
As a person who has been in the renewable Industry for more than 10years and as the witness of solar generation’s amazing growth, I really share the feeling of Jigar that by working together in a right way, we can change the world into a better place!
As a person who has been in the renewable Industry for more than 10years and as the witness of solar generation’s amazing growth, I really share the feeling of Jigar that by working together in a right way, we can change the world into a better place!
August 20, 2017
Great Advice
Jigar Shad has laid out every wealth opportunity there is dealing with climate impact. Definitely a worth while read for someone trying to make a difference.
Jigar Shad has laid out every wealth opportunity there is dealing with climate impact. Definitely a worth while read for someone trying to make a difference.
March 24, 2018
One of the first books I read as I was learning how the world of renewables, and specifically utility-scale solar worked. Jigar Shah’s outlook is spot-on.
July 2, 2020
My favorite macro book on our industry. Written by a legend.
February 6, 2017
La energía solar, una de las potenciales industrias más prometedoras de este siglo y todo lo que va alrededor de esta. "Creating Climate Wealth" habla sobre el polémico paralelismo entre crear riqueza alrededor de esta industria y al mismo tiempo crear valor para la sociedad.
Jigor Shah creó un inovador concepto hace ya más de una decada con Sun Edison, en el cúal se financia a mediano/largo plazo el equipo solar y con esto el usuario no necesita invertir de una vez una cantidad tan grande. Un modelo de negocios que ahora, resultando por una mala administración financiera y no por el modelo en sí ha llevado a SunEdison a la bancarrota y a los titulares de Wall Street.
Jigor Shah creó un inovador concepto hace ya más de una decada con Sun Edison, en el cúal se financia a mediano/largo plazo el equipo solar y con esto el usuario no necesita invertir de una vez una cantidad tan grande. Un modelo de negocios que ahora, resultando por una mala administración financiera y no por el modelo en sí ha llevado a SunEdison a la bancarrota y a los titulares de Wall Street.
April 8, 2026
The anecdotes about his time at SunEdison were awesome, the ideas he listed were interesting too. but the entrepreneur advice diarrhea it couldve used without. hes also not a great writer, but thats fine cause i wasnt reading it for that.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews