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The Big Fix: Seven Practical Steps to Save Our Planet
An engaging, accessible citizen’s guide to the seven urgent changes that will really make a difference for our climate — and how we can hold our governments accountable for putting these plans into action.
Dozens of kids in Montgomery County, Maryland, agitated until their school board committed to electric school buses. Mothers in Colorado turned up in front of an obscure state panel to fight for clean air. If you think the only thing you can do to combat climate change is to install a smart thermostat or cook plant-based burgers, you’re thinking too small.
That’s where The Big Fix comes in, offering everyday citizens a guide to the seven essential changes our communities must enact to bring our greenhouse gas emissions down to zero — and sharing stories of people who are making those changes reality.
Energy policy advisor Hal Harvey and longtime New York Times reporter Justin Gillis hone in on the seven areas where ambitious but eminently practical changes will have the greatest electricity production, transportation, buildings, industry, urbanization, use of land, and investment in promising new green technologies. In a lively, jargon-free style, the pair illuminate how our political economy really works, revealing who decides everything from what kind of power plants to build to how efficient cars must be before they’re allowed on the road to how much insulation a new house requires—and how we can insert ourselves into all these decisions to ensure that the most climate-conscious choices are being made.
At once pragmatic and inspiring, The Big Fix is an indispensable action plan for citizens looking to drive our country’s greenhouse gas emissions down to zero — and save our climate.
Dozens of kids in Montgomery County, Maryland, agitated until their school board committed to electric school buses. Mothers in Colorado turned up in front of an obscure state panel to fight for clean air. If you think the only thing you can do to combat climate change is to install a smart thermostat or cook plant-based burgers, you’re thinking too small.
That’s where The Big Fix comes in, offering everyday citizens a guide to the seven essential changes our communities must enact to bring our greenhouse gas emissions down to zero — and sharing stories of people who are making those changes reality.
Energy policy advisor Hal Harvey and longtime New York Times reporter Justin Gillis hone in on the seven areas where ambitious but eminently practical changes will have the greatest electricity production, transportation, buildings, industry, urbanization, use of land, and investment in promising new green technologies. In a lively, jargon-free style, the pair illuminate how our political economy really works, revealing who decides everything from what kind of power plants to build to how efficient cars must be before they’re allowed on the road to how much insulation a new house requires—and how we can insert ourselves into all these decisions to ensure that the most climate-conscious choices are being made.
At once pragmatic and inspiring, The Big Fix is an indispensable action plan for citizens looking to drive our country’s greenhouse gas emissions down to zero — and save our climate.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published September 20, 2022
64 people are currently reading
629 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 30, 2023
The book begins by reminding us that our world is on fire. Our technological progress is powered by an unsustainable combustion of fossil fuels. And the question is how we can sustain progress without endangering our climate. There are possible technological solutions, we are told; so it's not for lack of solutions that we are not making progress. It's a combination of ignorance, inertia, and political mischief. Time is no longer on our side; so speed is critical, the authors tell us. The aim of the book is to give readers grassroot political actions to take in solving the climate problem.
The key points in the book are the twin concepts of the learning curve and economies of scale. Increasing the scale of production of an item can yield the benefits of increased technological knowledge and reduced marginal cost. The problem is that most new industries require huge upfront costs and the willingness of financial backers (preferably the government) to absorb huge initial losses in order to push the industry up the learning curve. This, the authors tell us, is what we need in renewable technologies. Because most of the technologies have been shown to work at the small scale, we need the government to step in and help push them up the learning curve until they are able to be mass-produced.
After the twin concepts of the learning curve and economies of scale, the authors transition to the key areas where energy transition needs to take place. They also proceed to give the readers grassroots action for political action.
The suggestions given in the book are political and personal actions such as: Joining groups that advocate clean energy such as The Sierra Club, persuading legislators to enact and enforce clear goals for clean energy. In buildings, society needs to treat emissions from buildings the way we treat fire hazards in buildings and they should not shy away from imposing fines. In industries, the government should identify the top standard in efficiency and make it (enforce it as) the new minimum. In the workplace, you should ask about the company’s commitment to fighting climate change, and quit or reject the job offer if you find the answer unsatisfactory.
The good
If all you want is a book that lists out the things that need to be done to transition away from fossil fuels then this is a good book.
The very bad
1. There are other books that can give you the same information in a better way. 3 come to mind: speed and scale by John Doerr, Electrify by Saul Griffith, and How to avoid a climate disaster by Bill Gates. The problem is that these “need to fix” lists are only the beginning of the problem, and we do not need any other book giving us lists.
2. When we talk of energy transition, there are 3 main areas where we see obstacles: economic, technological, and political. By focusing on political action, the authors presuppose that the technological and the economic pose no problems. In other words, they assume that political will alone is enough to obliterate the economic and technological obstacles. Worse still, even the political actions discussed focus only on the surface level. There is no evaluation of the structural obstacles inherent in democratic politics. Without taking these things seriously, the book is almost useless.
3. Politically, the structural obstacle is that in a democracy, people have the freedom to choose different political positions even if the positions turn out to be bad.
4. Technologically, the obstacle is not scale, but environmental constraints. Take a city like Los Angeles, for example. To power it using renewables, and to transition away from fossil fuels completely, you need to store the energy produced by technologies such as wind turbines. We do not have something big enough to store energy for a big city for use for several days. And this is not due to scale. After all, The government can finance a massive project of lithium extraction to build batteries that can fill 50 football stadia. But what are the environmental consequences of such a project? Scale just masks the fact that we might end up doing more damage in trying to save the planet from fossil fuels.
5. Economically, we encounter an obstacle similar to the political. Human beings make decisions. Most times, and in many things, they prefer present consumption to a hazily conceived future. The millions of people all over the world who prefer to live in a smog-filled city for the chance of food on the table should tell us that although clean air is good, nobody will prefer to starve. We all make plans for our children, but we live first in the moment. Any government powerful enough to override this impulse will cease to be democratic. There are areas where citizens in a liberal democracy can allow their government to override their choices, but we risk unsettling the system if we take it too far.
6. But as far as the authors are concerned, all we need is political will and everything will be okay. But political will, though an obstacle of its own, is not a magic bullet. Political will alone cannot generate the solution for using only renewables to power a city like Los Angeles. And Political will without the coercion that is foreign to liberal democracy cannot make people sacrifice present well-being for a remote future. And then there is the political obstacle. The book’s stated aim is to give the reader grassroot political actions to take in solving the climate problem. This is not deep enough. The main political obstacle is this: what can you really accomplish in a political system where human beings have the freedom to make choices even if the choices turn out to be bad ones?
In sum, These are the obstacles to a renewable future: POLITICS in a system that presupposes freedom of choice, ECONOMICS in a world where human beings prefer present consumption to a hazily conceived future state, and TECHNOLOGY that can replace fossil fuels at scale and without causing more harm. In other words, it might not be a good decision to trade CO2 emission for massive environmental degradation. We cannot stop using fossil fuels until something better replaces it. And we cannot get to something better simply by throwing money at them. Just as people did not stop using whale oil or chopping down wood until petroleum was discovered.
These are the things that the reader would want to know in a book called “The Big Fix, 7 Practical Steps to Fix the Planet”, and these are the things that are missing from the book.
7. The book assumes that the reader is someone who is eager for solutions to the problem of transitioning away from oil, but not someone moderately smart enough to realize that the obstacles to change are more gigantic than what is presented.
The key points in the book are the twin concepts of the learning curve and economies of scale. Increasing the scale of production of an item can yield the benefits of increased technological knowledge and reduced marginal cost. The problem is that most new industries require huge upfront costs and the willingness of financial backers (preferably the government) to absorb huge initial losses in order to push the industry up the learning curve. This, the authors tell us, is what we need in renewable technologies. Because most of the technologies have been shown to work at the small scale, we need the government to step in and help push them up the learning curve until they are able to be mass-produced.
After the twin concepts of the learning curve and economies of scale, the authors transition to the key areas where energy transition needs to take place. They also proceed to give the readers grassroots action for political action.
The suggestions given in the book are political and personal actions such as: Joining groups that advocate clean energy such as The Sierra Club, persuading legislators to enact and enforce clear goals for clean energy. In buildings, society needs to treat emissions from buildings the way we treat fire hazards in buildings and they should not shy away from imposing fines. In industries, the government should identify the top standard in efficiency and make it (enforce it as) the new minimum. In the workplace, you should ask about the company’s commitment to fighting climate change, and quit or reject the job offer if you find the answer unsatisfactory.
The good
If all you want is a book that lists out the things that need to be done to transition away from fossil fuels then this is a good book.
The very bad
1. There are other books that can give you the same information in a better way. 3 come to mind: speed and scale by John Doerr, Electrify by Saul Griffith, and How to avoid a climate disaster by Bill Gates. The problem is that these “need to fix” lists are only the beginning of the problem, and we do not need any other book giving us lists.
2. When we talk of energy transition, there are 3 main areas where we see obstacles: economic, technological, and political. By focusing on political action, the authors presuppose that the technological and the economic pose no problems. In other words, they assume that political will alone is enough to obliterate the economic and technological obstacles. Worse still, even the political actions discussed focus only on the surface level. There is no evaluation of the structural obstacles inherent in democratic politics. Without taking these things seriously, the book is almost useless.
3. Politically, the structural obstacle is that in a democracy, people have the freedom to choose different political positions even if the positions turn out to be bad.
4. Technologically, the obstacle is not scale, but environmental constraints. Take a city like Los Angeles, for example. To power it using renewables, and to transition away from fossil fuels completely, you need to store the energy produced by technologies such as wind turbines. We do not have something big enough to store energy for a big city for use for several days. And this is not due to scale. After all, The government can finance a massive project of lithium extraction to build batteries that can fill 50 football stadia. But what are the environmental consequences of such a project? Scale just masks the fact that we might end up doing more damage in trying to save the planet from fossil fuels.
5. Economically, we encounter an obstacle similar to the political. Human beings make decisions. Most times, and in many things, they prefer present consumption to a hazily conceived future. The millions of people all over the world who prefer to live in a smog-filled city for the chance of food on the table should tell us that although clean air is good, nobody will prefer to starve. We all make plans for our children, but we live first in the moment. Any government powerful enough to override this impulse will cease to be democratic. There are areas where citizens in a liberal democracy can allow their government to override their choices, but we risk unsettling the system if we take it too far.
6. But as far as the authors are concerned, all we need is political will and everything will be okay. But political will, though an obstacle of its own, is not a magic bullet. Political will alone cannot generate the solution for using only renewables to power a city like Los Angeles. And Political will without the coercion that is foreign to liberal democracy cannot make people sacrifice present well-being for a remote future. And then there is the political obstacle. The book’s stated aim is to give the reader grassroot political actions to take in solving the climate problem. This is not deep enough. The main political obstacle is this: what can you really accomplish in a political system where human beings have the freedom to make choices even if the choices turn out to be bad ones?
In sum, These are the obstacles to a renewable future: POLITICS in a system that presupposes freedom of choice, ECONOMICS in a world where human beings prefer present consumption to a hazily conceived future state, and TECHNOLOGY that can replace fossil fuels at scale and without causing more harm. In other words, it might not be a good decision to trade CO2 emission for massive environmental degradation. We cannot stop using fossil fuels until something better replaces it. And we cannot get to something better simply by throwing money at them. Just as people did not stop using whale oil or chopping down wood until petroleum was discovered.
These are the things that the reader would want to know in a book called “The Big Fix, 7 Practical Steps to Fix the Planet”, and these are the things that are missing from the book.
7. The book assumes that the reader is someone who is eager for solutions to the problem of transitioning away from oil, but not someone moderately smart enough to realize that the obstacles to change are more gigantic than what is presented.
November 22, 2022
There's a lot of interesting policy ideas here as well as some practical steps. I think this could be a really useful guide for people first getting involved in environmental activism on a local level. It's very much from a white Liberal framework - the authors spend a lot of time talking about "reaching across the aisle" and no time talking about Indigenous organizers or decolonization, and there's a lot of faith in technological innovation saving capitalism rather than degrowth. But while it doesn't interrogate the justice of the capitalist system, it still provides a useful list of things to call your local representatives about and some non-Congressional institutions like Public Utility Councils to target
November 1, 2023
I’m really frustrated by the lack of meaningful power and political analysis throughout this, as well as the weird disregard for the broader environmental impacts the power sector has on the planet, regardless of which technology we use. It’s definitely an important wish list, but there’s not enough attention on the other environmental impacts of these ideas (no mention of hazardous waste with nuclear reactors, no mention of unjust labor practices that go into mining the minerals needed for many electrification technologies, etc).
March 30, 2024
Informative but not impenetrably dense, The Big Fix is an excellent overview of the most effective actions U.S. citizens -- "ordinary" people -- can take to make a meaningful contribution to the campaign to solve the climate crisis.
I covered and quoted extensively from this book in my ecocultural essay "Highway to Hell: Car Culture and Hollywood's Hero-Worship of the Automobile" (June 21, 2023).
I covered and quoted extensively from this book in my ecocultural essay "Highway to Hell: Car Culture and Hollywood's Hero-Worship of the Automobile" (June 21, 2023).
January 1, 2023
Sigh. The list is nothing new. My understanding is slightly better - suggestions I have gleaned from other sources. I believe the precepts in this book are preaching to the choir…
June 26, 2023
This book was written in September 2022 so it's pretty current. I would highly recommend it as a clear and practical guide to efforts that are being made to reduce carbon emissions today, and what it will take to get to zero emissions in next couple of decades.
The authors' analysis is practical, though very U.S.-centric. It concentrates not only on technological solutions, but also on the politics behind getting those solutions implemented, including things like state-level utility boards, local building codes and zoning laws, and national fuel efficiency standards.
I have to say that the sub-title is a tiny bit misleading - it's not exactly 7 steps, it's more complex than that. But the analysis makes sense and covers most of what you would expect to see. I learned a lot from this book.
The authors' analysis is practical, though very U.S.-centric. It concentrates not only on technological solutions, but also on the politics behind getting those solutions implemented, including things like state-level utility boards, local building codes and zoning laws, and national fuel efficiency standards.
I have to say that the sub-title is a tiny bit misleading - it's not exactly 7 steps, it's more complex than that. But the analysis makes sense and covers most of what you would expect to see. I learned a lot from this book.
March 11, 2022
Very, very, very, very wordy.
I've been reading a lot of books on climate change lately. Maybe I've read too many.
One of the suggestions in the book is that if you make suggestions about climate change improvements to your company and they aren't investing in saving the planet ... to quit and find another job. Might work for some folks, but probably not going to work for the majority. A multibillion dollar company may be investing in greening the company and not doing a good job at communicating their ideas. Or they may be trying to keep it to themselves as an advantage.
So ... back to being wordy, here is an example. A church in WV had a bad roof, in addition to fixing the roof they added solar panels. It brought people to the church community, that's great! Do we need to know that the folks suggesting it have an adorable child under the age of 10 and her name and what the folks used to do before they came to WV?
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review The Big Fix in exchange for an honest review.
I've been reading a lot of books on climate change lately. Maybe I've read too many.
One of the suggestions in the book is that if you make suggestions about climate change improvements to your company and they aren't investing in saving the planet ... to quit and find another job. Might work for some folks, but probably not going to work for the majority. A multibillion dollar company may be investing in greening the company and not doing a good job at communicating their ideas. Or they may be trying to keep it to themselves as an advantage.
So ... back to being wordy, here is an example. A church in WV had a bad roof, in addition to fixing the roof they added solar panels. It brought people to the church community, that's great! Do we need to know that the folks suggesting it have an adorable child under the age of 10 and her name and what the folks used to do before they came to WV?
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review The Big Fix in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2022
I'm not sure who this book was written for. It's definitely not for the policy wonk as anybody who works on climate change issues knows all the stuff. It is good general knowledge for somebody interested in the topic but if that's true the book needs to be formatted better. It talks about 7 practical steps but those seven steps are never really clearly delineated anywhere but instead each comprise a general chapter on the topic. The content is good, accurate and up to date but could be made more accessible. Harvey's other book on climate policy, Designing Climate Solutions, is really quite good and I use it in my policy class.
January 29, 2023
A must read for everybody concerned about the climate emergency (this should be everybody alive over a few years old...). The book provides information on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet the net zero target, and it shows how to become a green citizen and a green consumer. Congratulations to the authors. We need more books like this.
January 9, 2023
Worth reading, but not the best book about the climate crisis that I’ve read in the last two years. The most powerful aspects of this book are the accessibility of the writing and the message and examples of how individual citizens can work with/through ballot boxes (“pull levers”), local and state governments, public commentary venues, and public utility commissions to make change.
To say that I completely understand the science behind the four “innovative” options the authors discuss in Chapter 8 would be laughable, but I still have some questions and criticisms. In the discussion of four options for alternative energy production (hydrogen, nuclear, geothermal, and carbon capture/underground storage), my chief criticism is that the authors don’t seem to consider much except the science of how it happens, how much carbon is put into the air (which, granted, is important), or the financial cost, and what would have to happen to the market to make these options attractive enough for people and governments to take them on in a substantial way. In other words, I’d like to see more acknowledgement of the costs to and risks for humans and the earth in each approach.
For example, the hydrogen option. I don’t know if the authors live in a rainforest or someplace where there are not bitter battles over water rights (or simply greatly diminishing rivers, reservoirs, and lakes). But I am wondering where all of these hydrogen molecules are going to come from that we are going to use for electricity, and if we divert hydrogen to making electricity (which also requires using water in its very process), what shall we drink? Or if we want to get our hydrogen from other sources, such as natural gas, coal, and petroleum, I say, hello? Are these not the very sources whose use we are trying to reduce by finding alternate sources of energy?
Similarly, the discussion of geothermal options, including what we can learn from fracking, overlooks the corruption of air and water sources involved in the process (which affects planetary and human wellbeing). Also skated over are related problems affecting the health of humans (e.g., asthma, headaches, leukemia, cardiac problems) and the earth raised by “induced seismicity” and its aftereffects. Ditto the discussions of carbon capture/storage and nuclear.
I understand that in this age of climate crisis, there IS no “big fix”—a problem I have with the book’s title—and that we must seek to embrace multiple alternative energy sources—all imperfect or problematic in some way—and make compromises to accept “better” options rather than “perfect” or “ only” approaches. But this book troubles me when it glides over the impact on human health and well-being.
To say that I completely understand the science behind the four “innovative” options the authors discuss in Chapter 8 would be laughable, but I still have some questions and criticisms. In the discussion of four options for alternative energy production (hydrogen, nuclear, geothermal, and carbon capture/underground storage), my chief criticism is that the authors don’t seem to consider much except the science of how it happens, how much carbon is put into the air (which, granted, is important), or the financial cost, and what would have to happen to the market to make these options attractive enough for people and governments to take them on in a substantial way. In other words, I’d like to see more acknowledgement of the costs to and risks for humans and the earth in each approach.
For example, the hydrogen option. I don’t know if the authors live in a rainforest or someplace where there are not bitter battles over water rights (or simply greatly diminishing rivers, reservoirs, and lakes). But I am wondering where all of these hydrogen molecules are going to come from that we are going to use for electricity, and if we divert hydrogen to making electricity (which also requires using water in its very process), what shall we drink? Or if we want to get our hydrogen from other sources, such as natural gas, coal, and petroleum, I say, hello? Are these not the very sources whose use we are trying to reduce by finding alternate sources of energy?
Similarly, the discussion of geothermal options, including what we can learn from fracking, overlooks the corruption of air and water sources involved in the process (which affects planetary and human wellbeing). Also skated over are related problems affecting the health of humans (e.g., asthma, headaches, leukemia, cardiac problems) and the earth raised by “induced seismicity” and its aftereffects. Ditto the discussions of carbon capture/storage and nuclear.
I understand that in this age of climate crisis, there IS no “big fix”—a problem I have with the book’s title—and that we must seek to embrace multiple alternative energy sources—all imperfect or problematic in some way—and make compromises to accept “better” options rather than “perfect” or “ only” approaches. But this book troubles me when it glides over the impact on human health and well-being.
November 6, 2022
Feel free to read The Big Fix, but Bill Gates' How to Avoid a Climate Disaster remains the best framing of the problem and the solution that I've read. I recommend pairing it with Paul Hawken's Drawdown, either the book or the website. All three books outline the climate problem for a popular audience and how we can contribute to solving it through our collective policies as well as through our individual citizenship and our consumer choices. But Gates and Hawkens offer a clearer and therefore better framing.
None of these books really aim to hit you in the gut so that you can feel bad and post about how you feel bad about climate change. I view that desire as mostly unproductive, but maybe it's a stage we all go through as we aim to learn about climate change. If you need more of a gut punch, try David Wallace Wells' Uninhabitable Earth or the opening chapter of Kim Stanley Robinson's Ministry for the Future.
This may seem a trite response to The Big Fix, but I found the writing flat and cliche. Nonfiction seems to have fallen away from the stylistic heights established by Malcolm Gladwell in The Tipping Point, and it has settled into a formula that I find lazy, sorry.
A final note that Harvey's previous book, Designing Climate Solutions is very good.
None of these books really aim to hit you in the gut so that you can feel bad and post about how you feel bad about climate change. I view that desire as mostly unproductive, but maybe it's a stage we all go through as we aim to learn about climate change. If you need more of a gut punch, try David Wallace Wells' Uninhabitable Earth or the opening chapter of Kim Stanley Robinson's Ministry for the Future.
This may seem a trite response to The Big Fix, but I found the writing flat and cliche. Nonfiction seems to have fallen away from the stylistic heights established by Malcolm Gladwell in The Tipping Point, and it has settled into a formula that I find lazy, sorry.
A final note that Harvey's previous book, Designing Climate Solutions is very good.
September 25, 2022
I liked it. The caveat is that nothing they presented is all that new if you’re familiar with climate solutions, but it presented a positive, motivational call to action for average citizens.
Sure many technical hurdles will need solving, but for now we have the tech and even political will in many places to start implementing solutions, BUT outdated policy, NIMBYism, inertia, and bad incentives have stifled projects at the local, state and national level. That’s where you come in. Seize the agency they advocate for, pick a cause in your community, and find the decision making bodies to influence. Join like minded advocacy groups that already exist.
Reinforces the need for policy shifts that are written by local and state govts in tandem with energy companies, manufacturers, and corps.
Get involved.
Sure many technical hurdles will need solving, but for now we have the tech and even political will in many places to start implementing solutions, BUT outdated policy, NIMBYism, inertia, and bad incentives have stifled projects at the local, state and national level. That’s where you come in. Seize the agency they advocate for, pick a cause in your community, and find the decision making bodies to influence. Join like minded advocacy groups that already exist.
Reinforces the need for policy shifts that are written by local and state govts in tandem with energy companies, manufacturers, and corps.
Get involved.
July 3, 2025
A book like this makes me sad because the changes that need to happen are NEVER going to happen as long as people like Donald Trump and his cronies continue to be in power. As long as profits are put above people. I agree with the changes suggested in this book: make electric vehicles more accessible, urban planning needs to be more “green”, buildings and houses should have to meet eco-friendly standards, manufacturing needs to change, and on and on. But these are not fixes that individuals can make. These things will only happen when corporations and governments make them happen - to the benefit of humans everywhere. I really wish I lived in a different country.
June 26, 2022
Clear action agenda
We've been hearing about the Global Warming issue, with increasing fervor, since the mid-70's. This fascinating book takes us all the way through the history, the politics, and the position we're in today. We simply cannot ignore this situation any longer, and this book is an excellent place to start making the necessary changes in our own habits and priorities.
I really enjoyed how easy it was to read, with the issues clearly presented and enough science to make the case without flying over the heads of those of us outside academia. I enjoyed the relatable anecdotes, the personal, companionable voice, and the underlying wisdom of the power within.
This is a well-written, well-researched treatise that should not be missed. I'm purchasing a copy for each of my adult children and am prepared to quiz them on it if necessary to make sure they've read and understood it. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
We've been hearing about the Global Warming issue, with increasing fervor, since the mid-70's. This fascinating book takes us all the way through the history, the politics, and the position we're in today. We simply cannot ignore this situation any longer, and this book is an excellent place to start making the necessary changes in our own habits and priorities.
I really enjoyed how easy it was to read, with the issues clearly presented and enough science to make the case without flying over the heads of those of us outside academia. I enjoyed the relatable anecdotes, the personal, companionable voice, and the underlying wisdom of the power within.
This is a well-written, well-researched treatise that should not be missed. I'm purchasing a copy for each of my adult children and am prepared to quiz them on it if necessary to make sure they've read and understood it. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
January 3, 2023
The word "practical" in the subtitle is not entirely accurate. Yes, the suggestions are doable, but they are not practical for all to do. If someone already has something going to help solve a climate issue, then by all means hop on board. If you have the time and means to get something going in your area, then please do it. But don't go into this book thinking that these suggestions are going to be simple.
March 16, 2023
A good overview of ways to deal with the environmental challenges we face. Their emphasis is on local advocacy with utility commissions, zoning boards and so forth. There are also plenty of other ways to influence government and corporations and some suggestions for what we can do as consumers. It’s such a broad overview that it can feel overwhelming and more detailed information would be needed on any specific issue. But it’s a good starting place.
January 29, 2024
A different way to think about how to move ahead with efforts to remediate climate change. The technology and know-how are already there but we need to enlist the power of good. This means that our default actions to save money and save the planet go hand in hand. The author addresses local, state, and federal efforts that are channeling all of us to better ways of doing things. He gives numerous examples of solutions and groups that are leading the way.
July 19, 2024
I did enjoy this book in that it took a look at how to drive fixes to climate change at a higher, community-or-greater level versus just focusing on your own residence. The thing that challenges me is that I do live in a place that is already working on several of the topics addressed within the book, and so additional voices in those areas aren't needed. However, there were enough new items and views that I learned quite a bit and have a few areas that I can focus on.
November 3, 2022
E-Book. I enjoyed the book and generally a good read of the important things we as a society need to change. Very practical rather than "Carbon Tax would solve everything". Which it would. But its politically untenable to so we need to stop pretending its just around the corner.
April 7, 2023
This would be a good book for people who are beginning their climate change action journey. If you are already pretty well-versed it gives some good advice about political action individuals can take, especially at the local or state level.
September 18, 2023
Eh, just listen to them interviewed. It’s pretty straight up we can do it climate spiel with a heavy dose of capitalism scales. They are probably right about most of it, but I’m not convinced the limited set of economic models is really going to deliver the energy transition we need in time.
October 3, 2022
Essential reading for anyone interested in acting on climate, and hopefully that is all of us.
October 29, 2022
Good info.
November 1, 2022
Good 101 book for optimist (US-centric) climate solution.
March 11, 2023
Nothing new and also, boring.
May 19, 2023
Much information in this book!
February 5, 2024
read at stephen markley recommendation, good call to action + facts
October 9, 2024
Clear + to the point. Wish I could have listened a bit faster though/may be review if you've been in the space for a while. Got me to actually seriously commit to electric car ASAP!
January 13, 2025
Very practical advice, applicable, and so very important to staying engaged in these tough times.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews