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The Future Is Now: Solving the Climate Crisis with Today's Technologies
*NATIONAL BESTSELLER*
Is a global pandemic what it took to show us that saving our planet is possible?
In the absence of motorized boats and gondolas, Venice’s waters have returned to a sparkling blue color. Deer have been spotted roaming cities in Italy, and mountain goats recently took over a small seaside town in Wales. Taking advantage of the decreased boat traffic, whales have returned to roaming Vancouver’s harbours. The absence of “regular” human activities has dramatically affected our environment. In this book, Bob McDonald turns his focus to global energy sources, and shows how the global shutdowns may have been exactly what we needed to show us that a greener future is achievable.
This is not another “wake-up call,” and not another plea to heed the climate science. This is an exploration of the incredible technologies that our species can use to get out of the mess we’ve made for ourselves. It is a work of immense optimism, to counteract the sense of doom that hangs over most discussions of the environment.
Many alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal have been available for decades—but they alone will not be enough. Additional power will come from small nuclear reactors the size of an office desk, and space-based solar power satellites with enormous mirrors that can capture sunlight, convert it to microwaves, and beam it to the ground to light up entire cities. Energy will be captured from waves, tides, and hydrogen. Vehicles will no longer have tailpipes that emit smog particles. Food will be sourced locally.
Green technology is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy, and will only continue to skyrocket as current products improve their performance and new products emerge. A new green age is upon us--let this book be your guide to the future.
Is a global pandemic what it took to show us that saving our planet is possible?
In the absence of motorized boats and gondolas, Venice’s waters have returned to a sparkling blue color. Deer have been spotted roaming cities in Italy, and mountain goats recently took over a small seaside town in Wales. Taking advantage of the decreased boat traffic, whales have returned to roaming Vancouver’s harbours. The absence of “regular” human activities has dramatically affected our environment. In this book, Bob McDonald turns his focus to global energy sources, and shows how the global shutdowns may have been exactly what we needed to show us that a greener future is achievable.
This is not another “wake-up call,” and not another plea to heed the climate science. This is an exploration of the incredible technologies that our species can use to get out of the mess we’ve made for ourselves. It is a work of immense optimism, to counteract the sense of doom that hangs over most discussions of the environment.
Many alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal have been available for decades—but they alone will not be enough. Additional power will come from small nuclear reactors the size of an office desk, and space-based solar power satellites with enormous mirrors that can capture sunlight, convert it to microwaves, and beam it to the ground to light up entire cities. Energy will be captured from waves, tides, and hydrogen. Vehicles will no longer have tailpipes that emit smog particles. Food will be sourced locally.
Green technology is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy, and will only continue to skyrocket as current products improve their performance and new products emerge. A new green age is upon us--let this book be your guide to the future.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2022
37 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 3, 2022
I loved this book. Bob McDonald writes with a conversational tone and greatly simplifies the science. I found his discussion of fossil fuels very even-handed, acknowledging both their advantages and disadvantages. It would have been easy for McDonald to lapse into a preachy tone, but he avoided it, making this book a great read. I also liked the use of personal anecdotes and where appropriate, a little humour. I also liked the overall positive tone of the book and am encouraged by learning that we have technology today to help fight climate change, but similarly discouraged that we lack the will to do so. Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada, Viking for the advance reader copy.
October 28, 2022
As I was reading the introduction all I could think was that this book was pure joy! I was marvelling at how Bob has the incredible ability to take really complex scientific and political ‘problems’ and boil them down to the basics that anyone can understand. He can de-mystify anything!
This book is delightful. Grounded in serious science, addressing an issue of critical importance, but always keeping the mood upbeat and hopeful… and, most importantly, presenting it in such a way as to make anyone believe that the end goal is achievable. He really makes the reader believe that kicking the fossil fuel habit and limiting any additional contributions to atmospheric CO2 concentrations to a bare minimum can be accomplished.
But then we get into the meat of the book - the chapter by chapter analysis of each of the various options to fossil fuels. While my own personal interest was not dampened… this is feeling far less like a title for an everyday reader… for the person who needs to understand this to be able to - to be inspired to - push for change.
Incredibly enough I actually think there needed to have been fewer - yes, I said fewer!! - examples… and to have moved a lot of the technical discussions - especially the mathematical comparisons about inputs and outputs - into either footnotes or endnotes that a reader who wanted to wade through that information could choose to read on their own… as opposed to having to read to continue through the text. Alternatively, a whole bunch of charts/graphs and the like could have gone a long way to making this more palatable to a ‘recreational’ reader.
But I also gave pause a couple of times while reading…
For example, on page 66 there is a reference to “ADM” - the corporate acronym for “Archers Daniel Midland.” The company is never named in full - he only uses the abbreviation - and he celebrates them for their successes in lowering the cost of ethanol.
To which I respond: Hold on a minute. If you study food issues, food (in)security and the relationship between food production and the health - as in obesity and diabetes - crisis… ADM is the epitome of the evil incarnate consolidated multi-national food corporation - right up there with the likes of Cargill, Con-Agra and - OMG! - Monsanto.
Don’t just take my word for it - find yourself access to the fabulous documentary titled King Corn.
It bothered me greatly that they were being celebrated and given a total pass on their evil doings. Vandana Shiva would be very very very unhappy… and she’s one of my heroines!!
I know Bob gets it, because I’ve listened to him on my radio all my life… and on page 81 he references John Muir: “When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he (sic) finds it attached to the rest of the world.” If you truly believe this, then you can’t let evil-doers like ADM (and the others I mentioned above as well as many more besides them) off the hook as lightly as you do.
And much as I love John Muir - as an environmentalist - and I get why you singled him out for this quote… We gotta take a serious look at his connections to white supremacy… The time has come to highlight other contemporary environmentalists who can wax equally as eloquently. Just saying…
But notwithstanding the above criticisms, this is still an important book.
3.5
This book is delightful. Grounded in serious science, addressing an issue of critical importance, but always keeping the mood upbeat and hopeful… and, most importantly, presenting it in such a way as to make anyone believe that the end goal is achievable. He really makes the reader believe that kicking the fossil fuel habit and limiting any additional contributions to atmospheric CO2 concentrations to a bare minimum can be accomplished.
But then we get into the meat of the book - the chapter by chapter analysis of each of the various options to fossil fuels. While my own personal interest was not dampened… this is feeling far less like a title for an everyday reader… for the person who needs to understand this to be able to - to be inspired to - push for change.
Incredibly enough I actually think there needed to have been fewer - yes, I said fewer!! - examples… and to have moved a lot of the technical discussions - especially the mathematical comparisons about inputs and outputs - into either footnotes or endnotes that a reader who wanted to wade through that information could choose to read on their own… as opposed to having to read to continue through the text. Alternatively, a whole bunch of charts/graphs and the like could have gone a long way to making this more palatable to a ‘recreational’ reader.
But I also gave pause a couple of times while reading…
For example, on page 66 there is a reference to “ADM” - the corporate acronym for “Archers Daniel Midland.” The company is never named in full - he only uses the abbreviation - and he celebrates them for their successes in lowering the cost of ethanol.
To which I respond: Hold on a minute. If you study food issues, food (in)security and the relationship between food production and the health - as in obesity and diabetes - crisis… ADM is the epitome of the evil incarnate consolidated multi-national food corporation - right up there with the likes of Cargill, Con-Agra and - OMG! - Monsanto.
Don’t just take my word for it - find yourself access to the fabulous documentary titled King Corn.
It bothered me greatly that they were being celebrated and given a total pass on their evil doings. Vandana Shiva would be very very very unhappy… and she’s one of my heroines!!
I know Bob gets it, because I’ve listened to him on my radio all my life… and on page 81 he references John Muir: “When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he (sic) finds it attached to the rest of the world.” If you truly believe this, then you can’t let evil-doers like ADM (and the others I mentioned above as well as many more besides them) off the hook as lightly as you do.
And much as I love John Muir - as an environmentalist - and I get why you singled him out for this quote… We gotta take a serious look at his connections to white supremacy… The time has come to highlight other contemporary environmentalists who can wax equally as eloquently. Just saying…
But notwithstanding the above criticisms, this is still an important book.
3.5
January 9, 2023
Interesting, but a bit rosy picture without acknowledging the drawbacks of various technologies
August 5, 2022
As a person really interested in learning more about the climate crisis, but not adept in the science and technologies behind it, the book The Future is Now by Bob McDonald was exactly what I needed. Bob McDonald gives a masterclass on solving the climate crisis. He is the science teacher you have always wanted. His passion and intelligence shine through. He explains concepts very articulately and in a way that people without a science background can understand. This book flows very much like his CBC radio show “Quirks and Quarks”. While reading it, I could here Bob’s voice in my head. Just like his show, he engages readers by storytelling. He draws you in by telling you to imagine yourself in the story he’s telling and then he gives you the science facts to back it up. Most books I have read on science tend to be dry and boring. The Future is Now is different. It’s engaging and at times reads like a page turning novel! If you want to learn more about the science and technology available to help solve the climate crisis this book is for you.
Thank you @netgalley and @penguinrandomca for the advanced reader’s copy.
Book to be released on September 26th, 2022.
Thank you @netgalley and @penguinrandomca for the advanced reader’s copy.
Book to be released on September 26th, 2022.
February 5, 2023
Ok, this book took me a bit to get through. I found it a bit slower to read than most books I’ve read lately. But that is simply because the contents I found were very information dense, and I needed to stop regularly to allow the info to sink in.
I love Bob and his CBC show and am hugely impressed with how he is able to take big, broad topics and bring them down to simple, interesting bite-sized pieces - which is not an easy feat.
I was amazed to see how much research and testing is happening with all kinds of different ways to harness energy, and store it. A fabulous read!
I love Bob and his CBC show and am hugely impressed with how he is able to take big, broad topics and bring them down to simple, interesting bite-sized pieces - which is not an easy feat.
I was amazed to see how much research and testing is happening with all kinds of different ways to harness energy, and store it. A fabulous read!
February 19, 2023
XXXXX
A NEW GREEN AGE IS UPON US
Note: this review is for the hardcover version of this book.
XXXXX
"This book is a look at what a clean green future could actually look like: the vehicles of the future, energy sources, and lifestyles that can realistically enable society to achieve a sustainable lifestyle wihout crippling the economy or sending everyone back to the caves and trees."
The above (in italics) comes from this well-written book by Bob McDonald. He is a science journalist and author as well as national science commentator for CBC television and CBC News Network (formerly Newsworld). Since 1992, McDonald has been the host of a weekly radio science show (called "Quirks & Quarks") that has a following of over 750,000 listeners per week. McDonald has been granted many awards & honours and even has an asteroid named after him.
Immense optimism pervades this guide to understanding green energy and the role it can play in lowering, even eliminating, greenhouse emissions.
This book explores a wealth of alternatives to fossil fuels. It contains amusing anecdotes throughout, historical digressions, and the actual thoughts of working scientists.
It provides accessible explanations of how eco-friendly technologies work, exploring the usuaal alternative energy sources but also introduces some new ones.
Finally, most importantly, these technologies can be used RIGHT NOW, today, to get us out of the mess we've made for ourselves.
In conclusion, a new green age is upon us. Let this book be your guide to the green energy future!
XXXXX
(2022; introduction; 15 chapters; 280 pages; glossary; endnotes; acknowledgments)
XXXXX
A NEW GREEN AGE IS UPON US
Note: this review is for the hardcover version of this book.
XXXXX
"This book is a look at what a clean green future could actually look like: the vehicles of the future, energy sources, and lifestyles that can realistically enable society to achieve a sustainable lifestyle wihout crippling the economy or sending everyone back to the caves and trees."
The above (in italics) comes from this well-written book by Bob McDonald. He is a science journalist and author as well as national science commentator for CBC television and CBC News Network (formerly Newsworld). Since 1992, McDonald has been the host of a weekly radio science show (called "Quirks & Quarks") that has a following of over 750,000 listeners per week. McDonald has been granted many awards & honours and even has an asteroid named after him.
Immense optimism pervades this guide to understanding green energy and the role it can play in lowering, even eliminating, greenhouse emissions.
This book explores a wealth of alternatives to fossil fuels. It contains amusing anecdotes throughout, historical digressions, and the actual thoughts of working scientists.
It provides accessible explanations of how eco-friendly technologies work, exploring the usuaal alternative energy sources but also introduces some new ones.
Finally, most importantly, these technologies can be used RIGHT NOW, today, to get us out of the mess we've made for ourselves.
In conclusion, a new green age is upon us. Let this book be your guide to the green energy future!
XXXXX
(2022; introduction; 15 chapters; 280 pages; glossary; endnotes; acknowledgments)
XXXXX
September 28, 2023
****.5
An excellent and extremely accessible introduction to the various potential technological fixes for global warming/climate change. There are detailed descriptions of the main contenders to replace the burning of carbon emitting fossil fuels for energy and transportation. Especially helpful is a discussion of why they haven't been more widely deployed so far, and potential pitfalls and drawbacks to each, in addition to identifying how and where they can be scaled up as part of the bigger picture.
In particular, he does a great job of debunking the automatic rejection of nuclear power as a continued part of the energy system, assuaging the fears by examining the major accidents and clearly evaluating the risks.
On the negative side, despite his assertion that we can reach carbon reduction goals using current technology, the majority of the book demonstrates the opposite; that we are years away (or decades for some) from being able to cost effectively implement many of the ideas presented. Although he rightly points out that a lot of the problem is political (i.e. economic and cultural) rather than limited by technology, it's also important to keep a realistic outlook regarding the speed in which we can practically reduce our dependence on fossil fuel consumption.
A more minor but extremely irksome gripe is his obsequious fawning over Elon Musk, who is hardly a paragon of environmentalism.
An excellent and extremely accessible introduction to the various potential technological fixes for global warming/climate change. There are detailed descriptions of the main contenders to replace the burning of carbon emitting fossil fuels for energy and transportation. Especially helpful is a discussion of why they haven't been more widely deployed so far, and potential pitfalls and drawbacks to each, in addition to identifying how and where they can be scaled up as part of the bigger picture.
In particular, he does a great job of debunking the automatic rejection of nuclear power as a continued part of the energy system, assuaging the fears by examining the major accidents and clearly evaluating the risks.
On the negative side, despite his assertion that we can reach carbon reduction goals using current technology, the majority of the book demonstrates the opposite; that we are years away (or decades for some) from being able to cost effectively implement many of the ideas presented. Although he rightly points out that a lot of the problem is political (i.e. economic and cultural) rather than limited by technology, it's also important to keep a realistic outlook regarding the speed in which we can practically reduce our dependence on fossil fuel consumption.
A more minor but extremely irksome gripe is his obsequious fawning over Elon Musk, who is hardly a paragon of environmentalism.
June 4, 2023
McDonald covers just about every green technology that could help solve the climate crisis; everything from mainstream to wacky and a number in between. The problem may be that there are too many ideas out there and not enough resources are devoted to those that have a good chance of succeeding in a big way. There is also the problem is that most of these technologies are only affordable to rich nations. If we cannot get China, India and Africa onboard, there is little the rest of the world can do to get the numbers down to where we need them. So while the author strikes an optimistic tone, this is not the reality that we live in today.
While I found the book informative it was a little difficult to get through. It delved into details that the layman probably would not be interested such as chemical reactions. I also found it somewhat repetitive. For example, how many times do you need to say that wind an solar power will not work all the time and you need a baseline power source.
While I found the book informative it was a little difficult to get through. It delved into details that the layman probably would not be interested such as chemical reactions. I also found it somewhat repetitive. For example, how many times do you need to say that wind an solar power will not work all the time and you need a baseline power source.
February 2, 2023
I read this as an audio book (narrated by the author). Bob MacDonald has the knack of explaining scientific ideas/procedures/etc. in a clear and understandable manner.
Solar, biofuels, wind, ocean waves, tidal, energy storage, geothermal, nuclear, fusion, oil, carbon capture, energy efficiency and more are explained in the context of today and the future. Myths are debunked and explainations why some good ideas are not feasible. The costs associated with energy and why some things will work and others not is presented clearly and backed up with research and data.
I highly recommend this book and I plan to buy a paper copy so I can refer back to it- it is chock full IMPORTANT information.
Solar, biofuels, wind, ocean waves, tidal, energy storage, geothermal, nuclear, fusion, oil, carbon capture, energy efficiency and more are explained in the context of today and the future. Myths are debunked and explainations why some good ideas are not feasible. The costs associated with energy and why some things will work and others not is presented clearly and backed up with research and data.
I highly recommend this book and I plan to buy a paper copy so I can refer back to it- it is chock full IMPORTANT information.
December 15, 2022
I had to return this book to the library before I could finish it, having several other books with deadlines I had to read as well. It's well researched, and I like his optimistic take on the potential for all the technologies that already exist, and have been created over the past 50 years. I was reading the hard cover version, which doesn't yet show up on GR. So review shows up as Kindle, not the way I read it.
June 23, 2024
Great explanation of alternative energy sources along with a balanced view of fossil fuels. Fossils fuels are such a dense, easily utilized form of energy but burning them is causing a global crisis. The author explains alternative energy sources in an interesting way, and he also talks about how improvements to fossil fuel efficiency would greatly reduce the impact on our climate. I also just finished the book, Under a White Sky, which is another excellent book on similar topics.
October 24, 2022
A solid tech solutions guide to helping solve some of our most immediate climate issues. Most things out of the hands of the individual consumer, but it still arms you with the information to help you make informed voting decisions for those that control "where the money goes". We need more billionaires to stand up and take action.
November 9, 2022
A Must Read
This book should be on the shelf of every household. Climate change and today’s technologies are on everyone’s mind but are not fully understood.
The author has a talent for simplifying the complicated details that are present in the many solutions. Climate change is real and is discussed in a realistic way that gives us hope along with knowledge.
This book should be on the shelf of every household. Climate change and today’s technologies are on everyone’s mind but are not fully understood.
The author has a talent for simplifying the complicated details that are present in the many solutions. Climate change is real and is discussed in a realistic way that gives us hope along with knowledge.
January 20, 2024
a bit beyond my understanding of science
Although I am not a scientist, the author does a fairly good job describing complex science in terms an educated lay person can understand. It was interesting to see that we have the knowledge to make significant change if we choose to do so. Good pacing in the book with only a little drag. And I learned quite a lot.
Although I am not a scientist, the author does a fairly good job describing complex science in terms an educated lay person can understand. It was interesting to see that we have the knowledge to make significant change if we choose to do so. Good pacing in the book with only a little drag. And I learned quite a lot.
June 7, 2025
A very enlightening read about the potential solutions to the climate crisis and the environmental impacts of different technologies that are being tested. I grew up listening to the author on Quirks and Quarks on CBC and listening to the audiobook with him reading it was like listening to an extended episode. What could be a heavy topic was addressed with optimism and clarity.
February 5, 2023
Loved it. This book was straight forward, easy to understand and so insightful. The best part was the balanced approach and non judgemental. We need a lot more of this type of dialogue in the world. An excellent read.
March 29, 2023
Excellent
Bob explains in understandable ways
About all energy opt
Many examples and illustrations help
Many experts insert useful comments
Summary at end is excellent pulling things together
Would recommend
Bob explains in understandable ways
About all energy opt
Many examples and illustrations help
Many experts insert useful comments
Summary at end is excellent pulling things together
Would recommend
September 4, 2023
A lot of this wasn't new to me at all, just a couple of sections had really interesting new stuff. Also was very TECH WILL SAVE US (kind of the point of the book), and not enough about maybe use less (there was some).
June 16, 2024
More of this book should address the reasons why these "solutions" have not scaled up and resolved our current crisis. Very little mention of the political, social, and financial barriers to implementing some of these ideas to scale.
February 27, 2025
Was very interesting and informative.
I enjoyed the history of mechanics he included and the details.
However, at some points, I lost interest as it felt long-winded.
However, that couldn't be helped as those details helped unstand how things work.
I enjoyed the history of mechanics he included and the details.
However, at some points, I lost interest as it felt long-winded.
However, that couldn't be helped as those details helped unstand how things work.
July 31, 2025
Great book for understanding different power technologies and emerging markets for the energy transition. I listened to this book but I was able to stay relatively engaged as the terminology was easy to understand.
November 19, 2022
very current and on point.
I enjoyed and recommend
I enjoyed and recommend
January 28, 2023
Great summary
March 16, 2023
Fascinating, comprehensive look at the options we have and options coming our way to save our planet from our past and current mistakes
May 6, 2023
As a background book it's fine, but if you're working in the area of sustainability or climate solutions research, this is all recycled material.
October 14, 2023
This was a great summary of all the most significant developments in clean energy technologies. Some of the stories that he tried to relate were corny and unnecessary.
October 23, 2023
*audiobook* Honestly, a very solid overview of green energy systems. The author is Canadian and cites a lot of Canadian examples of these technologies, which is cool.
August 4, 2025
cover looks cool
November 29, 2025
Very interesting but, unfortunately, the current political situation in Canada (especially Alberta) will not help.
December 10, 2023
Are humans the last elephants in the room?
How did the book make me feel/think?
There’s no denying that we, as humans, are orchestrating our own downfall. Our planet, the cradle of our existence, is under threat due to our actions. The relentless hum of consumerism and the insatiable appetite for material wealth are testament to how our pursuit of a certain lifestyle has contributed to environmental devastation. The Industrial Revolution, which symbolized progress, ironically paved the way for the environmental crises we face today due to its excessive and unsustainable practices.
Warnings are sounding with an unmistakable sense of urgency to address these dire issues. However, the economic implications of transitioning from fossil fuels to alternative energy sources present a multifaceted challenge. Economic factors often weigh heavily in the decision-making process, reflecting the complexity of embracing sustainable practices.
In the wild, animals consume only what they need for survival, either gradually heading towards extinction or being hastened to their end by human encroachment and habitat destruction, accelerating their demise as we prioritize our own lifestyle preferences.
For the duration of the Industrial Age, it is the mantra of ‘more is better’ that has defined progress, and we have embraced this wholeheartedly.
Now, we find ourselves in a precarious position, instructed that our compliance poses a danger to our continued existence. News reports continually highlight the predatory cost of living, urging a transformative change in how we live.
“The Future Is Now (maybe too late)” by Bob McDonald insightfully underscores how we possess the means and capacity to alter our trajectory and foster a greener world, potentially saving humanity. McDonald’s approach is nuanced, avoiding additional blame on an already bewildered populace. Instead, he illuminates the stark reality: while we have alternatives to fossil fuels, their significant economic costs are daunting. This brings us face-to-face with the proverbial ‘last elephant in the room’: the lack of economic willingness to implement necessary changes, especially when so many people are uncertain about their next meal.
WRITTEN: 12 December 2023
How did the book make me feel/think?
There’s no denying that we, as humans, are orchestrating our own downfall. Our planet, the cradle of our existence, is under threat due to our actions. The relentless hum of consumerism and the insatiable appetite for material wealth are testament to how our pursuit of a certain lifestyle has contributed to environmental devastation. The Industrial Revolution, which symbolized progress, ironically paved the way for the environmental crises we face today due to its excessive and unsustainable practices.
Warnings are sounding with an unmistakable sense of urgency to address these dire issues. However, the economic implications of transitioning from fossil fuels to alternative energy sources present a multifaceted challenge. Economic factors often weigh heavily in the decision-making process, reflecting the complexity of embracing sustainable practices.
In the wild, animals consume only what they need for survival, either gradually heading towards extinction or being hastened to their end by human encroachment and habitat destruction, accelerating their demise as we prioritize our own lifestyle preferences.
For the duration of the Industrial Age, it is the mantra of ‘more is better’ that has defined progress, and we have embraced this wholeheartedly.
Now, we find ourselves in a precarious position, instructed that our compliance poses a danger to our continued existence. News reports continually highlight the predatory cost of living, urging a transformative change in how we live.
“The Future Is Now (maybe too late)” by Bob McDonald insightfully underscores how we possess the means and capacity to alter our trajectory and foster a greener world, potentially saving humanity. McDonald’s approach is nuanced, avoiding additional blame on an already bewildered populace. Instead, he illuminates the stark reality: while we have alternatives to fossil fuels, their significant economic costs are daunting. This brings us face-to-face with the proverbial ‘last elephant in the room’: the lack of economic willingness to implement necessary changes, especially when so many people are uncertain about their next meal.
WRITTEN: 12 December 2023
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews