How to Avoid a Climate Disaster

The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need

By: Bill Gates

Narrated by: Wil Wheaton, Bill Gates

In this urgent, authoritative book, Bill Gates sets out a wide-ranging, practical--and accessible--plan for how the world can get to zero greenhouse gas emissions in time to avoid a climate catastrophe.

Bill Gates has spent a decade investigating the causes and effects of climate change. With the help of experts in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, political science, and finance, he has focused on what must be done in order to stop the planet's slide to certain environmental disaster. In this book, he not only explains why we need to work toward net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases, but also details what we need to do to achieve this profoundly important goal.

He gives us a clear-eyed description of the challenges we face. Drawing on his understanding of innovation and what it takes to get new ideas into the market, he describes the areas in which technology is already helping to reduce emissions, where and how the current technology can be made to function more effectively, where breakthrough technologies are needed, and who is working on these essential innovations. Finally, he lays out a concrete, practical plan for achieving the goal of zero emissions--suggesting not only policies that governments should adopt, but what we as individuals can do to keep our government, our employers, and ourselves accountable in this crucial enterprise.

As Bill Gates makes clear, achieving zero emissions will not be simple or easy to do, but if we follow the plan he sets out here, it is a goal firmly within our reach.

*This audiobook includes a downloadable PDF of charts, graphs, and pictures from the book.

good and timely advice for our planet

I recomend all policy makers (private sector and public sector) read or listen to this book.

Planned steps for the solutions we need

Bill Gates has taken on the “doom & gloom” challenge of transforming climate change discussions from a hopeless battle to an inspiring arena of thought and innovation. He addresses the myriad web of interlocking complications to unpack the inertia and jumpstart actionable steps. With revelations from where to focus the energies of the private & public sectors as well as the individual, he also highlights the importance of thinking long term and not taking dangerous shortcuts such as a 2030 plan (vs 0 carbon by 2050). He gets the big picture and explains it in a way that everyone can follow, with enough details to lead to real progress. Let’s do this!

Great book!

It’s been a delightful experience. Well thought through layout of facts and actions which helps understand the real magnitude of the problem away from vitriol and emotion.

MUST READ

This is clear information about what we need to do and think about. Great overview.

I think I need physical text to highlight and refer back to

My only complaint is that I think I need a physical copy of this book to highlight, dog-ear, and refer back to in discussions.