What do you think?
Rate this book
No Miracles Needed
The world needs to turn away from fossil fuels and use clean, renewable sources of energy as soon as we can. Failure to do so will cause catastrophic climate damage sooner than you might think, leading to loss of biodiversity and economic and political instability. But all is not lost! We still have time to save the planet without resorting to 'miracle' technologies. We need to wave goodbye to outdated technologies, such as natural gas and carbon capture, and repurpose the technologies that we already have at our disposal. We can use existing technologies to harness, store, and transmit energy from wind, water, and solar sources to ensure reliable electricity, heat supplies, and energy security. Find out what you can do to improve the health, climate, and economic state of our planet. Together, we can solve the climate crisis, eliminate air pollution and safely secure energy supplies for everyone.
454 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2023
77 people are currently reading
747 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 24, 2023
There is so much to like in this book, and so much to learn from it. That said, it is written a bit like a textbook, so it can be a bit dry. My recommendation would be to start at the end, with "My Journey", which describes how Jacobson came to be so involved with the solutions side of decarbonization, and explains a lot about his personal optimism about moving the world toward a future which does not include fossil fuels.
Jacobson's basic argument, backed up by a plethora of facts drawn from his career as an engineer and current head of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Stanford is that speed matters. We have a limited window left to convert world economies from fossil fuels to zero-emission energy, and we don't have time to waste on unproven solutions, or solutions which require decades to deploy. This is especially true because we have no shortage of viable renewable energy sources. So what we SHOULD be doing is rolling out solar, wind, geothermal, EV's, and grid upgrades as quickly as possible, and what we should NOT be doing is dumping money into CO2 capture technology, new nuclear plants, or hydrogen powered cars, because the latter are not proven technologies and / or take too long to roll out. Jacobson explains the many, many ways we have to decarbonize, and emphasizes that we have the means, today, and that we just need the political will.
Excellent primer on what we need to do, right now.
Jacobson's basic argument, backed up by a plethora of facts drawn from his career as an engineer and current head of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Stanford is that speed matters. We have a limited window left to convert world economies from fossil fuels to zero-emission energy, and we don't have time to waste on unproven solutions, or solutions which require decades to deploy. This is especially true because we have no shortage of viable renewable energy sources. So what we SHOULD be doing is rolling out solar, wind, geothermal, EV's, and grid upgrades as quickly as possible, and what we should NOT be doing is dumping money into CO2 capture technology, new nuclear plants, or hydrogen powered cars, because the latter are not proven technologies and / or take too long to roll out. Jacobson explains the many, many ways we have to decarbonize, and emphasizes that we have the means, today, and that we just need the political will.
Excellent primer on what we need to do, right now.
July 10, 2024
Yes we can.
Jacobson laid out the case for 100% conversion to sustainable green energy. If we couple wind and Sun Goethe’s and connect the grid of different places, then add some battery, we can have 100% green electricity.
Battery: newer and cheaper technology is helping. For aeroplanes and ships where weight is importantly, hydrogen fuel cells can be considered.
Energy storage also can be other forms such as gravity mass, water pumps, heat pumps and ice pumps.
He is against nuclear as the lead time is too long, there are problems with waste disposal, and weaponisation to nuclear bombs. He has received threats from its supporters.
He is against carbon capture, as energy from conventional sources is required to do it. And there is leakage. And this allows conventional fossil fuel industry to keep burning and polluting.
This reads like a text book but highly recommended.
Jacobson laid out the case for 100% conversion to sustainable green energy. If we couple wind and Sun Goethe’s and connect the grid of different places, then add some battery, we can have 100% green electricity.
Battery: newer and cheaper technology is helping. For aeroplanes and ships where weight is importantly, hydrogen fuel cells can be considered.
Energy storage also can be other forms such as gravity mass, water pumps, heat pumps and ice pumps.
He is against nuclear as the lead time is too long, there are problems with waste disposal, and weaponisation to nuclear bombs. He has received threats from its supporters.
He is against carbon capture, as energy from conventional sources is required to do it. And there is leakage. And this allows conventional fossil fuel industry to keep burning and polluting.
This reads like a text book but highly recommended.
April 14, 2024
A wonderful book for anyone who knows enough that we need to quit burning fossil fuels as soon as possible, but wants a better understanding of how, technically, we can do it. The big picture is that we already have affordable commercial solar and wind products (turbines, photo voltaic) that can be mass-produced to supply the electrical power needed to replace coal, natural gas, and petroleum combustion energy sources. Current and emerging battery technologies provide the necessary energy for transportation (ie portable) energy as well as backup storage for the grid so that excess energy in one place or time can be available when needed later.
The book is very readable - you can easily skip around to chapters that interest you. The "Journey" chapter describes how Jacobson's interest in modeling air pollution connected with 'clean' energy production. He has been attacked by nuclear energy proponents because his WWS (wind, water, storage) solution does not include nuclear. A very detailed and persuasive chapter explains that if we fund more nuclear power plant construction and research instead of putting that money into WWS, the net effect is more carbon pollution. IOW, 'all of the above' is bad policy: spending funds on nuclear fusion or carbon capture research means in the mean time we continue burning fossil fuels. The term is 'opportunity-cost emissions' which comprises the lost opportunity to reduce emissions with relatively quick and proven technology.
Jacobson has no answers for the political obstructions - does anyone?
The details include computing land footprints for the energy plants, the special materials needed, electric grid updates, net job creation, and importantly lives shortened due to air pollution. For example, platinum is needed for hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. but when we convert most motor vehicles to electric, platinum will no longer be needed for catalytic converters.
Good explanations of storage technologies, hydrogen fuel-cells, and hybrid systems that combine clean energy production with storage options. Many examples of real (not experimental) systems around the world.
The book is very readable - you can easily skip around to chapters that interest you. The "Journey" chapter describes how Jacobson's interest in modeling air pollution connected with 'clean' energy production. He has been attacked by nuclear energy proponents because his WWS (wind, water, storage) solution does not include nuclear. A very detailed and persuasive chapter explains that if we fund more nuclear power plant construction and research instead of putting that money into WWS, the net effect is more carbon pollution. IOW, 'all of the above' is bad policy: spending funds on nuclear fusion or carbon capture research means in the mean time we continue burning fossil fuels. The term is 'opportunity-cost emissions' which comprises the lost opportunity to reduce emissions with relatively quick and proven technology.
Jacobson has no answers for the political obstructions - does anyone?
The details include computing land footprints for the energy plants, the special materials needed, electric grid updates, net job creation, and importantly lives shortened due to air pollution. For example, platinum is needed for hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. but when we convert most motor vehicles to electric, platinum will no longer be needed for catalytic converters.
Good explanations of storage technologies, hydrogen fuel-cells, and hybrid systems that combine clean energy production with storage options. Many examples of real (not experimental) systems around the world.
May 7, 2023
Renewable Energy explained as doable
No Miracles Needed walks a fine line between a book meant for general readers interested in an overview of the nascent renewable energy (RE) transformation and a book that delves into technical aspects of each solution the author discusses. When I reached the final chapter, about the author's personal journey and central role in raising the profile of RE solutions, I wished it had come first. Jacobson was present at the creation of the RE transformation that is now real across much of the United States and parts of the world. I recommend readers start there, with the remarkable developments of 2009-2023, and then spend as much time as they need on each thoroughly explained technological solution. One final point, the experts I have consulted do not agree with Jacobson that coal is no more harmful than natural gas, so that part was jarring, especially since gas is and will be a large part of our energy mix for some time to come.
No Miracles Needed walks a fine line between a book meant for general readers interested in an overview of the nascent renewable energy (RE) transformation and a book that delves into technical aspects of each solution the author discusses. When I reached the final chapter, about the author's personal journey and central role in raising the profile of RE solutions, I wished it had come first. Jacobson was present at the creation of the RE transformation that is now real across much of the United States and parts of the world. I recommend readers start there, with the remarkable developments of 2009-2023, and then spend as much time as they need on each thoroughly explained technological solution. One final point, the experts I have consulted do not agree with Jacobson that coal is no more harmful than natural gas, so that part was jarring, especially since gas is and will be a large part of our energy mix for some time to come.
November 19, 2023
Un très bon livre, mais pas pour moi. Ce n’est pas un livre qui offre des idées bien vulgarisé pour convaincre une personne non convaincu. C’est un livre qui donne des idées applicables bien vulgarisé pour les convaincues qui veulent avoir un effet concret.
Son contenu est donc plutôt arride, mais probablement une référence incontournable afin d’avoir un coffre à outils pour 95% des enjeux.
No miracles needed, m’a justement ouvert les yeux à ce niveau. Il y a beaucoup plus de technologies que je pensais et ce, pour tous les enjeux ou presque.
Pensons seulement aux panneaux solaires pour lumière indirecte qui répondent en parti a l’enjeu du manque de soleil dans certaines régions où le besoin de combiner les WWS qui sont complémentaires pour répondre aux enjeux de variabilité.
Le vent est fort lorsqu’il n’y pas ou peu de soleil et faible lorsqu’il est fort.
Je recommande donc ce livre a tous-ceux qui ont la capacité d’implanter des solutions concrètes ou à influencer ceux qui ont cette capacité.
Les autres risquent de manquer de motivation apres 30 pages! 😉
Son contenu est donc plutôt arride, mais probablement une référence incontournable afin d’avoir un coffre à outils pour 95% des enjeux.
No miracles needed, m’a justement ouvert les yeux à ce niveau. Il y a beaucoup plus de technologies que je pensais et ce, pour tous les enjeux ou presque.
Pensons seulement aux panneaux solaires pour lumière indirecte qui répondent en parti a l’enjeu du manque de soleil dans certaines régions où le besoin de combiner les WWS qui sont complémentaires pour répondre aux enjeux de variabilité.
Le vent est fort lorsqu’il n’y pas ou peu de soleil et faible lorsqu’il est fort.
Je recommande donc ce livre a tous-ceux qui ont la capacité d’implanter des solutions concrètes ou à influencer ceux qui ont cette capacité.
Les autres risquent de manquer de motivation apres 30 pages! 😉
Read
October 1, 2023This book is essentially an exhaustively detailed breakdown of how 100% of energy demand could be met through Wind, Water, and Solar power.
- It's fastidiously comprehensive, and often quite dry. Both a pro and a con as many nitpicky questions I had got addressed, but also I probably did not need to read a comprehensive history of electric boat engines.
- Jacobson gives pretty much equal importance to two goals: eliminating global warming, and eliminating air pollution. I think it weakens some of his arguments re: carbon capture and biofuels slightly as one could reasonably argue that the former is a different category of existential risk than the latter.
- His policy recommendations are nothing radical but still useful to see laid out in one place.
Overall, a worthwhile read and worth having on hand as a reference.
- It's fastidiously comprehensive, and often quite dry. Both a pro and a con as many nitpicky questions I had got addressed, but also I probably did not need to read a comprehensive history of electric boat engines.
- Jacobson gives pretty much equal importance to two goals: eliminating global warming, and eliminating air pollution. I think it weakens some of his arguments re: carbon capture and biofuels slightly as one could reasonably argue that the former is a different category of existential risk than the latter.
- His policy recommendations are nothing radical but still useful to see laid out in one place.
Overall, a worthwhile read and worth having on hand as a reference.
November 21, 2023
Good overview of all the solutions that need to get in place to get our economies to run on 100% renewable energy.
It is however a bit of a dry read (not the most engaging style, lots of long enumerations, detailed coverage of every topic regardless of relative importance, etc.) and it's difficult not to feel like the author tried to make his specific recommended solutions (wind, water, solar power) look as good as possible, with limited discussion of downsides and tradeoffs or contemplation on alternatives. I ended up learning relatively little new and preferred books such as "How to Avoid a Climate Crisis" and "Drawdown".
It is however a bit of a dry read (not the most engaging style, lots of long enumerations, detailed coverage of every topic regardless of relative importance, etc.) and it's difficult not to feel like the author tried to make his specific recommended solutions (wind, water, solar power) look as good as possible, with limited discussion of downsides and tradeoffs or contemplation on alternatives. I ended up learning relatively little new and preferred books such as "How to Avoid a Climate Crisis" and "Drawdown".
July 16, 2024
An important book for students of engineering and various specialties that will be critical in ending air pollution and climate changing greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Jacobson’s 100% Wind Water Solar plans and maps might be more impactful because millions of people have seen them, but this book is useful too.
My criticism is that it really is a textbook that isn’t very compelling reading in some parts. The end is better as some have mentioned. It feels like this was an academic’s ultimate preemptive response for all the whataboutism that ideologues lob at any discussion about truly bold efforts to move towards 100 WWS.
My criticism is that it really is a textbook that isn’t very compelling reading in some parts. The end is better as some have mentioned. It feels like this was an academic’s ultimate preemptive response for all the whataboutism that ideologues lob at any discussion about truly bold efforts to move towards 100 WWS.
January 1, 2025
Outstanding book for the climate advocate like myself. It has a wide breadth of topics with important highlights and sufficient details to start a deep dive in any of the material covered. The audio book would not work for this since the reader will want to flip among the different diagrams, references and related materials covered in other chapters. I would call this an essential book for anyone who wants to know the extent of possible solutions to the current climate emergency. I only wish that this were required for the decision makers in all levels of government internationally.
March 10, 2025
I don't agree with him completely on nuclear, but he brought up points that I hadn't consider before. Overall, there was a lot of good detail about how wind, solar, hydro, and battery storage can work together to create a stable grid. I was impressed by the number of ways that humanity has come up with to store energy!
December 2, 2025
Good and very extensively researched. I learned a lot. I couldn't give it 5 stars because the author, like many, are way too optimistic. I would love, love, love to see 100% clean energy by 2050, but we (the U.S, at any rate) seem to be going backwards, not forward. :(
September 16, 2023
This book is heavy on the science but a good explanation on WWS for the future (Wind, Water and Solar) yeah no pollution then
September 28, 2023
A fantastic and detailed outline for how we tangibly reach a net zero world!
June 21, 2024
A must read for everyone including layman who is interested to be aware of the burgeoning threats from air pollution, global warming & energy insecurity and realistic way forwards to prevent them.
September 22, 2024
Soooo boring. Skip to chapter 14. There, you're welcome.
October 9, 2024
Simply written, well argued, and extremely informative. From back to front, this was a pleasure to read.
October 24, 2025
This is a wonderful book, especially if you are interested in solving climate change (and air pollution) and in clean energy solutions.
The book is like a clean energy encyclopaedia which explains all the clean technologies available in all sectors.
The final part about the author’s personal journey is inspiring. It is amazing to see how Mark Jacobson went from being a high schooler focused on learning and then solving air pollution to one of the leading advocates worldwide to achieve a 100% Water Wind Solar energy system.
Thank you for the great work.
The book is like a clean energy encyclopaedia which explains all the clean technologies available in all sectors.
The final part about the author’s personal journey is inspiring. It is amazing to see how Mark Jacobson went from being a high schooler focused on learning and then solving air pollution to one of the leading advocates worldwide to achieve a 100% Water Wind Solar energy system.
Thank you for the great work.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews