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Designing Climate Solutions: A Policy Guide for Low-Carbon Energy
With the effects of climate change already upon us, the need to cut global greenhouse gas emissions is nothing less than urgent. It’s a daunting challenge, but the technologies and strategies to meet it exist today. A small set of energy policies, designed and implemented well, can put us on the path to a low carbon future. Energy systems are large and complex, so energy policy must be focused and cost-effective. One-size-fits-all approaches simply won’t get the job done. Policymakers need a clear, comprehensive resource that outlines the energy policies that will have the biggest impact on our climate future, and describes how to design these policies well.
Designing Climate A Policy Guide for Low-Carbon Energy is the first such guide, bringing together the latest research and analysis around low carbon energy solutions. Written by Hal Harvey, CEO of the policy firm Energy Innovation, with Robbie Orvis and Jeffrey Rissman of Energy Innovation, Designing Climate Solutions is an accessible resource on lowering carbon emissions for policymakers, activists, philanthropists, and others in the climate and energy community. In Part I, the authors deliver a roadmap for understanding which countries, sectors, and sources produce the greatest amount of greenhouse gas emissions, and give readers the tools to select and design efficient policies for each of these sectors. In Part II, they break down each type of policy, from renewable portfolio standards to carbon pricing, offering key design principles and case studies where each policy has been implemented successfully.
We don’t need to wait for new technologies or strategies to create a low carbon future—and we can’t afford to. Designing Climate Solutions gives professionals the tools they need to select, design, and implement the policies that can put us on the path to a livable climate future.
Designing Climate A Policy Guide for Low-Carbon Energy is the first such guide, bringing together the latest research and analysis around low carbon energy solutions. Written by Hal Harvey, CEO of the policy firm Energy Innovation, with Robbie Orvis and Jeffrey Rissman of Energy Innovation, Designing Climate Solutions is an accessible resource on lowering carbon emissions for policymakers, activists, philanthropists, and others in the climate and energy community. In Part I, the authors deliver a roadmap for understanding which countries, sectors, and sources produce the greatest amount of greenhouse gas emissions, and give readers the tools to select and design efficient policies for each of these sectors. In Part II, they break down each type of policy, from renewable portfolio standards to carbon pricing, offering key design principles and case studies where each policy has been implemented successfully.
We don’t need to wait for new technologies or strategies to create a low carbon future—and we can’t afford to. Designing Climate Solutions gives professionals the tools they need to select, design, and implement the policies that can put us on the path to a livable climate future.
376 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2018
84 people are currently reading
955 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 16, 2020
There were three reviews and six ratings on Goodreads when I started Hal Harvey's Designing Climate Solutions: A Policy Guide for Low-Carbon Energy. Harvey favours portfolio policies, i.e. not just one of performance standards, carbon taxes, or research and development but all of them. Energy, industry, and transportation are the three most important sectors--there are others. Who has done the most with these policies? It seems like China and parts of Europe may be two leading candidates. Given the variety of state legislation and policy in the USA, that might also offer useful models for further study (and areas for advocacy). Harvey argues these policies give us a 50% chance of avoiding the over 2 degrees Celsius scenario. So often people seem at a complete loss about what could be done, but a substantial climate policy literature exists and can be studied. Designing Climate Solutions is a good starting point for novices and is likely a useful guide for wonks.
I was able to find an interview with Harvey on Vox, and I also recommend using the energy policy simulator at energy solutions that is recommended towards the end of this book. Good luck.
I was able to find an interview with Harvey on Vox, and I also recommend using the energy policy simulator at energy solutions that is recommended towards the end of this book. Good luck.
February 9, 2019
Read/reviewed this as a potential textbook for a class next fall on creating a carbon neutral economy. It's a very good, concise book for that, I plan to use it. While it's obviously policy heavy, it is a very good summary of the components and contributors, and has some good case studies for further review. It's a pretty readable book for anyone, if you want to know what will be entailed in getting to carbon neutrality. And it's a not very expensive book, a big plus.
January 10, 2020
A useful professional resource. Unusually well written for a book of this type, with a good balance of theory and real-world examples.
December 24, 2018
Overall a very insightful and practical book on proven policies to meet the Paris Agreement two degree celsius goal. Written for policy wonks, the book provides examples of existing programs/regulations in different GHG emitting sectors that can be used by various policy setting government entities.
The main weakness of the book (outside of being repetitive and some what dry) is the assumption that these policies can be easily adopted; it does not take into effect the political, economic and resource restraints that often hamper the implementation of many of these policies. Nevertheless, the book is an excellent compendium of programs for climate mitigation.
The main weakness of the book (outside of being repetitive and some what dry) is the assumption that these policies can be easily adopted; it does not take into effect the political, economic and resource restraints that often hamper the implementation of many of these policies. Nevertheless, the book is an excellent compendium of programs for climate mitigation.
March 7, 2019
Let us pause for a moment of thanks to the policy wonks, who work within the limitations of whatever is currently politically permissible and take important steps forward in their branches of bureaucracy.
Let us also give thanks to those who cannot work within those limitations, and who are determined to transform what is and is not politically permissible.
An excellent new book from Island Press makes clear that both approaches to the challenge of climate disruption are necessary, though it deals almost exclusively with the work of policy design and implementation.
Full review at:
https://anoutsidechance.com/2019/03/0...
Let us also give thanks to those who cannot work within those limitations, and who are determined to transform what is and is not politically permissible.
An excellent new book from Island Press makes clear that both approaches to the challenge of climate disruption are necessary, though it deals almost exclusively with the work of policy design and implementation.
Full review at:
https://anoutsidechance.com/2019/03/0...
November 18, 2019
Profoundly important work. A practical guide to policy tools for reducing carbon emissions from the energy sector. It covers a lot of ground. Maybe better as a reference tool than reading it through, though. The book is heavily footnoted so you can dig in to areas that are mentioned only in passing too.
December 26, 2024
Hal Harvey’s Designing Climate Solutions is a rigorous and pragmatic guide for policymakers and advocates tackling the urgent challenge of climate change. Grounded in evidence and focused on impact, the book provides an organised roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, emphasising the critical role of effective policies. While steeped in technical detail (for someone who isn't involved in policymaking yet where the details weren't immediately relevant, I had to skim read often to stay engaged with the the central ideas of each chapter), the book remains accessible to readers interested in understanding the mechanics behind climate solutions.
Key Takeaways
1. Focusing on the Big Emitters
The book underscores that addressing climate change effectively means prioritising sectors and countries with the largest emissions. A staggering 75% of global emissions come from just 20 countries, with the most leverage concentrated in five key sectors: power generation, heat generation, transportation, industry, and buildings. Harvey emphasises targeting policies that deliver high-impact abatement opportunities in these areas, such as replacing coal plants with renewable energy sources or improving industrial energy efficiency.
2. Beyond Emission Reductions: The Case for Carbon Drawdown
While reducing emissions at the source is crucial, Harvey acknowledges that it’s no longer sufficient to meet the 2°C target. Carbon drawdown—removing existing emissions from the atmosphere—is increasingly necessary. Land-use policies, such as restoring forests and wetlands, are vital for this effort. However, Harvey notes that these strategies require a distinct set of policies, science, and actors, which lie outside the scope of this book.
3. Policy Design: The Heart of the Challenge
Harvey’s central argument is that the transition to a low-carbon future is not constrained by technology or even economics but by the quality of policy design and implementation. The book’s pragmatic optimism is encapsulated in its concluding message: “We know how to do it. The challenge is enacting the right policies and ensuring they are well-designed and enforced [by governments who need to have the political will to do so]”
The authors delve into critical aspects of policy design any policymaker needs to keep in mind, such as:
Avoiding Loopholes Because Humans Can Be Such Opportunistic & Scheming Twats:
Policies must anticipate self-interested behaviours that could undermine their objectives. For instance, region-specific feebates can incentivise consumers to game the system by purchasing vehicles in neighbouring regions.
Policies Will Not Fly if There is No Economic Viability:
Policies like feebates must balance effectiveness with scalability and revenue neutrality, ensuring they don’t disproportionately burden low-resource governments or exacerbate societal inequalities.
Leveraging Human Nature through Behavioural Economics: Effective policies often leverage human behaviour, such as upfront rebates for energy-efficient appliances or vehicles, which appeal to consumers more than long-term cost savings.
The Value System of Redistributive Justice:
Harvey stresses the importance of mitigating regressive impacts of fees, the discussion highlights the interplay between environmental policies and social equity. It raises critical questions about how we can design climate policies in a thoughtful & strategic way to ensure policies do not worsen existing inequalities but instead provide opportunities to alleviate them.
The Practicality of Stakeholder Management:
From industry players to government agencies and consumers, policies must align with the incentives and pressures of diverse stakeholders. Harvey’s insights into phasing out subsidies and avoiding shocks to industries—such as the electric vehicle (EV) market—underscore the importance of gradual transitions and multi-year planning with multi-stakeholder involvement.
Personal connections
* The Economics of Scarcity and Externalities: Harvey’s emphasis on addressing negative externalities, such as the social costs of private car ownership or fossil fuel dependence, ties neatly to concepts of public policy and governance. This resonates with George Monbiot’s advocacy for “private sufficiency, public luxury” in a podcast episode I listened to, "Zero: The Climate Race" on Spotify. It is a vision where individual consumption aligns with collective well-being.
Why You Should Read This Book
For policymakers, activists, or anyone invested in climate solutions, Designing Climate Solutions offers a detailed, actionable guide to reducing emissions through policy. While it doesn’t address every dimension of climate action—notably omitting land-use policies—its focus on energy and industrial processes provides a robust foundation for tackling the bulk of global emissions.
The book’s pragmatic optimism, combined with its emphasis on well-designed policies, makes it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to drive meaningful change in the fight against climate change.
Whether you’re a policymaker grappling with implementation challenges or a concerned citizen seeking clarity on the path forward, Harvey’s insights are an essential compass for navigating the complexities of a low-carbon future.
Key Takeaways
1. Focusing on the Big Emitters
The book underscores that addressing climate change effectively means prioritising sectors and countries with the largest emissions. A staggering 75% of global emissions come from just 20 countries, with the most leverage concentrated in five key sectors: power generation, heat generation, transportation, industry, and buildings. Harvey emphasises targeting policies that deliver high-impact abatement opportunities in these areas, such as replacing coal plants with renewable energy sources or improving industrial energy efficiency.
2. Beyond Emission Reductions: The Case for Carbon Drawdown
While reducing emissions at the source is crucial, Harvey acknowledges that it’s no longer sufficient to meet the 2°C target. Carbon drawdown—removing existing emissions from the atmosphere—is increasingly necessary. Land-use policies, such as restoring forests and wetlands, are vital for this effort. However, Harvey notes that these strategies require a distinct set of policies, science, and actors, which lie outside the scope of this book.
3. Policy Design: The Heart of the Challenge
Harvey’s central argument is that the transition to a low-carbon future is not constrained by technology or even economics but by the quality of policy design and implementation. The book’s pragmatic optimism is encapsulated in its concluding message: “We know how to do it. The challenge is enacting the right policies and ensuring they are well-designed and enforced [by governments who need to have the political will to do so]”
The authors delve into critical aspects of policy design any policymaker needs to keep in mind, such as:
Avoiding Loopholes Because Humans Can Be Such Opportunistic & Scheming Twats:
Policies must anticipate self-interested behaviours that could undermine their objectives. For instance, region-specific feebates can incentivise consumers to game the system by purchasing vehicles in neighbouring regions.
Policies Will Not Fly if There is No Economic Viability:
Policies like feebates must balance effectiveness with scalability and revenue neutrality, ensuring they don’t disproportionately burden low-resource governments or exacerbate societal inequalities.
Leveraging Human Nature through Behavioural Economics: Effective policies often leverage human behaviour, such as upfront rebates for energy-efficient appliances or vehicles, which appeal to consumers more than long-term cost savings.
The Value System of Redistributive Justice:
Harvey stresses the importance of mitigating regressive impacts of fees, the discussion highlights the interplay between environmental policies and social equity. It raises critical questions about how we can design climate policies in a thoughtful & strategic way to ensure policies do not worsen existing inequalities but instead provide opportunities to alleviate them.
The Practicality of Stakeholder Management:
From industry players to government agencies and consumers, policies must align with the incentives and pressures of diverse stakeholders. Harvey’s insights into phasing out subsidies and avoiding shocks to industries—such as the electric vehicle (EV) market—underscore the importance of gradual transitions and multi-year planning with multi-stakeholder involvement.
Personal connections
* The Economics of Scarcity and Externalities: Harvey’s emphasis on addressing negative externalities, such as the social costs of private car ownership or fossil fuel dependence, ties neatly to concepts of public policy and governance. This resonates with George Monbiot’s advocacy for “private sufficiency, public luxury” in a podcast episode I listened to, "Zero: The Climate Race" on Spotify. It is a vision where individual consumption aligns with collective well-being.
Why You Should Read This Book
For policymakers, activists, or anyone invested in climate solutions, Designing Climate Solutions offers a detailed, actionable guide to reducing emissions through policy. While it doesn’t address every dimension of climate action—notably omitting land-use policies—its focus on energy and industrial processes provides a robust foundation for tackling the bulk of global emissions.
The book’s pragmatic optimism, combined with its emphasis on well-designed policies, makes it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to drive meaningful change in the fight against climate change.
Whether you’re a policymaker grappling with implementation challenges or a concerned citizen seeking clarity on the path forward, Harvey’s insights are an essential compass for navigating the complexities of a low-carbon future.
January 8, 2019
A Potential New Climate Policy Bible: Reviewing ‘Designing Climate Solutions: A Policy Guide for Low-Carbon Energy’
When the IPCC Climate Change Report came out in October of last year, I was hopeful that the clear and direct tone of the warning and the necessity of its recommendations would finally resonate with the general public, especially in the United States. Only a month later, when climate/energy/environment issues weren't the top mentioned concerns in any single U.S. market and voters sent mixed messages across the country with their ballots, many in the energy world saw how awareness and recognition of the need for action still hadn't struck the necessary chord. Whether that's attributed to insufficient media coverage, paralysis caused by the enormity of the task at hand, or something else is up for debate, but what's not up for debate is the need for something to cut through the disconnect and clearly convey the solutions that are already achievable today. The technology we need to drastically cut emissions already exists, what we're lacking is the necessary policy solutions.
Right on cue, Hal Harvey (with co-authors Robbie Orvis and Jeffrey Rissman) of Energy Innovation released the book Designing Climate Solutions: A Policy Guide for Low-Carbon Energy in November. This treatise on how to move public policy so that the potential devastation of climate change can be prevented is detailed and reads as a textbook on the topic-- while that may not make it the book you want to give your friends who don't already care and think a lot about these issues, I believe it will serve as a great Climate Policy Bible that should sit on the bookshelves of all energy wonks.
To see the rest of my review, see the post on my blog.
When the IPCC Climate Change Report came out in October of last year, I was hopeful that the clear and direct tone of the warning and the necessity of its recommendations would finally resonate with the general public, especially in the United States. Only a month later, when climate/energy/environment issues weren't the top mentioned concerns in any single U.S. market and voters sent mixed messages across the country with their ballots, many in the energy world saw how awareness and recognition of the need for action still hadn't struck the necessary chord. Whether that's attributed to insufficient media coverage, paralysis caused by the enormity of the task at hand, or something else is up for debate, but what's not up for debate is the need for something to cut through the disconnect and clearly convey the solutions that are already achievable today. The technology we need to drastically cut emissions already exists, what we're lacking is the necessary policy solutions.
Right on cue, Hal Harvey (with co-authors Robbie Orvis and Jeffrey Rissman) of Energy Innovation released the book Designing Climate Solutions: A Policy Guide for Low-Carbon Energy in November. This treatise on how to move public policy so that the potential devastation of climate change can be prevented is detailed and reads as a textbook on the topic-- while that may not make it the book you want to give your friends who don't already care and think a lot about these issues, I believe it will serve as a great Climate Policy Bible that should sit on the bookshelves of all energy wonks.
To see the rest of my review, see the post on my blog.
November 29, 2020
This short compendium by Hal Harvey - writing with Robbie Orvis and Jeffrey Rissman - presents a comprehensive, detailed manual for effective policy and other market interventions aimed at "decarbonizing the economy."
We ALL are agreed that limiting global warming to less than 2°C (3.6°F) above preindustrial levels is necessary to avoid the worst of climate change. The authors make a case for effective policy portfolio, performance standards, economic nudges, support for research and carbon taxes which will reinforce each other to drive down emissions.
The book is policy heavy and discounts the operational challenges that bringing such policy to bear requires. Otherwise the book does good justice to the subject and makes for an interesting read.
We ALL are agreed that limiting global warming to less than 2°C (3.6°F) above preindustrial levels is necessary to avoid the worst of climate change. The authors make a case for effective policy portfolio, performance standards, economic nudges, support for research and carbon taxes which will reinforce each other to drive down emissions.
The book is policy heavy and discounts the operational challenges that bringing such policy to bear requires. Otherwise the book does good justice to the subject and makes for an interesting read.
December 29, 2018
A strong overview of the path to a zero carbon future, but was often repetitive through the chapters. There were new concepts covered but nothing to be considered breakthrough. Good policy guide for developing countries but I don't think would be useful for developed, leading markets across Europe, California etc.
April 21, 2019
A concise summary of the latest public policy tools available for governments to design Climate Change mitigation & GHG reduction strategies. With these issues being hotly contested politically in Canada and beyond, I'd recommend it as a primer for folks interested in public policy and political governance as a deeper, wonkier dive beyond the media headlines.
April 5, 2022
Used this for a class I teach on energy policy. Easy to follow, short in spots, focused on policies and policy design. I like how complete it is on different policies for each climate sector, would be great if it covered the policy process or anything on politics just a bit.
October 25, 2020
Useful. Check out Munasinghe's Sustainability in the Twenty-First c.
April 15, 2021
Not a book to read back-to-back, but great down-to-earth policy orientations.
June 16, 2022
An excellent and detailed book. I focused on the power sector components, and learned much about some things which were to me ‘unknown unknowns’. This short book packs is dense with information.
October 16, 2022
conservatives: there's NO WAY to balance climate AND the economy, we MUST prioritize ECONOMY over CLIMATE
this entire book: actually, if we institute a simple price on pollu-
conservatives: simply NO WAY,
this entire book: actually, if we institute a simple price on pollu-
conservatives: simply NO WAY,
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews