When I’ve got questions – ranging from “big” things like vaccines, to “little things” like when to plant your tomatoes – I’ve always tried to look to the experts (of that specific field) and to be wary of people trying to sell something. So it may be surprising that I’m recommending a book on climate change (arguably a “big” thing) written by Bill Gates (an expert in computer science and software, sure, but also someone who made his fortune selling us those same things he’s an expert in). The reason I’m ok with it is because he acknowledges up front that he’s not an expert in this particular subject, but that he has consulted with many such experts and what he’s written in the book are his take-aways from those conversations.
“I wrote this book because I see not just the problem of climate change; I also see an opportunity to solve it. That’s not just pie-in-the sky optimism. We already have two of the three things you need to accomplish any major undertaking. First, we have ambition, thanks to the passion of a growing global movement led by young people who are completely concerned about climate change. Second, we have big goals for solving the problem as more national and local leaders around the world commit to doing their part.
Now we need the third part: a concrete plan to achieve our goals.”
The book is broken down into sections that first talk about the goal of zero emissions, then address the five major areas that Gates feels we need to focus on to reduce emissions (how we plug in, how we make things, how we grow things, how we get around, how we keep cook and stay warm), and then his ideas for a plan to get there. His tone is conversational, but also includes figures, footnotes, and an extensive notes section in the event you’d like to dig deeper into the details.
Throughout the book you get the feeling that “this is possible!” but also, “this is going to be really hard.” I kept thinking of this podcast episode (I really wish I could remember where/when it was) where Bill Nye says that he hopes climate change is human caused, because then that means we can do something to fix it. Fixing it, however, will take more than composting your vegetable scraps, riding your bike to work, and setting your thermostat higher in the summer (or lower in the winter). Of course those things are important, but, the real crux of the matter according to Gates is the need for clean energy. We need clean energy to make manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, and general living greener. And it shouldn’t just be the wealthy nations that get to experience these benefits. He argues that the people who are and will be most affected by climate change are the ones who currently are also most dependent on fossil fuels because of the green premiums – the difference in cost for the “green” product over the conventional one. So he discusses policy changes that should happen, research and development opportunities, and what it will take – from a local to a global level – to make those changes happen.
Where it shines:
the tone is optimistic, yet realistic
He doesn’t shame, and he acknowledges that there are people that will be tangibly affected (jobs will be lost in the oil and gas business, for example) by reaching towards a zero emissions goal and therefore should be aided (through job trainings, education, etc.) during the transition; people’s worries are real and they shouldn’t be so quickly dismissed
the goal should be to elevate all people, perhaps especially the poorest, but without destroying the planet
Where it falls short:
“I love the fact that one of history’s greatest heroes had a job title – agronomist – that most of us have never even heard of” Bill gates says in reference to Norman Borlaug. While I appreciated that he gave a positive view of Borlaug’s contributions to agriculture, I felt he could have done more to discuss the ways in which agriculture is innovating to solve problems, such as with biodigesters, instead of focusing on the problems.
He doesn’t address the problems with waste (solar panels which have reached the end of their lifespan, for example) and what to do with it. This article from the Deseret News talks more about that side of the problem. I didn’t appreciate the tone of the article, which made it sound like we shouldn’t be using these green energy sources at all, but I thought it brought up some important points to consider.
Overall, I enjoyed the read – even laughed out oud at times – and it has given me a lot to think about, particularly this idea that “Innovation is both new devices and new ways of doing things.”
But, you don’t have to take my word for it. If you do read it, let me know what you think.
For more on climate change, here are some other resources I have enjoyed and learned from lately:
“Old Enough to Save the Planet: Be inspired by real-life children taking action against climate change” by Loll Kirby, illustrated by Adelina Lirius
“How to Make People Care About Big Things” a Kelly Corrigan Wonders podcast conversation with Katherine Hayhoe
What a great write up! I’m definitely adding it to my list. I feel the same whenever I’ve heard him talk about climate change: this is doable, but super hard! Can’t wait to read more!