PoV #13: Climate's Page-Turners: Exploring Innovation Chronicles Through Diverse Points of View in Tech, Policy & Ecology

A Deep Dive into Eco-Tech and Environmental Wisdom

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As I step into the year 2024, rather than offering predictions or reflections, I'd like to present a gift of knowledge. I consider myself an avid and speedy reader, and thanks to Kindle, I've had the privilege of immersing myself in a wide array of perspectives on addressing climate change over the past year. Whether a book was freshly published or had been in circulation for years, each one represents a unique viewpoint frozen in time. In a world of constant change, these books serve as valuable data points, documenting the evolution of our thinking, technological advancements, and policy shifts related to this critical issue. Amid the saturation of podcasts, videos, and digital content, books remain a haven for intellectual exploration.

There's a distinct allure to the act of immersing oneself in the pages of a book—a deep dive into the author's perspective, the original “Point of View”.

It's a profound journey through their thoughts, research, and intentions. What sets books apart is the unmistakable passion that drives their creation. The dedication required to craft a book, often spanning hundreds of pages, reflects the author's unwavering commitment to their mission. It's a labor of love, a manifestation of their profound enthusiasm for the subject matter, and a testament to their determination to convey their perspective, meticulously shaped through extensive research and reflection.

Now, I'd like to share my gift with you—a curated selection of the 12 most impactful climate books that I have had the privilege of reading in recent years. These books not only illuminate the intricate connections between the climate crisis and existing inequities and injustices in our world but also provide invaluable insights into how to address these challenges collectively.

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Book 1: No Miracles Needed: How Today's Technology Can Save Our Climate and Clean Our Air (Published: February 2, 2023) By Mark Jacobson

?The world stands at a critical crossroads where the urgency to transition away from fossil fuels and embrace clean, renewable energy sources has never been more pressing. The consequences of failing to do so loom large, promising catastrophic climate damage, biodiversity loss, and economic and political instability. "No Miracles Needed," authored by Mark Z. Jacobson, presents an insightful analysis of the climate crisis and offers a compelling solution without relying on 'miracle' technologies.

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This book makes a compelling case for leaving behind outdated technologies, such as natural gas and carbon capture, and instead harnessing the technologies already at our disposal. It outlines how existing technology can be leveraged to harness, store, and transmit energy from wind, water, and solar sources to ensure reliable electricity, heat supplies, and energy security. The book invites readers to engage with actionable steps to improve the health of our planet, tackle climate change, eliminate air pollution, and secure energy supplies for all.

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Book 2: Speed & Scale: An Action Plan for Solving Our Climate Crisis Now (Published: November 9th, 2021) By John Doerr (Author), Ryan Panchadsaram (Contributor)

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Former President Barack Obama once remarked, "If you care about climate change, John Doerr's new book, Speed & Scale, offers concrete steps that we can all take to make a difference." In "Speed & Scale," John Doerr takes readers on a journey of pragmatic actions, global aspirations, and economic investments needed to avert climate catastrophe.

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With a clear-eyed, engineering precision, Doerr lays out a 10-step plan to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050—the global goal essential for a livable Earth for future generations. Drawing upon firsthand accounts from climate leaders, policymakers, innovators, and scientists, the book provides insights into electrifying energy grids, fixing global food supply chains, and capturing carbon from the air. "Speed & Scale" delivers practical solutions for policymakers and entrepreneurs alike, highlighting the unparalleled economic opportunity that lies within the climate crisis.

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Book 3: The Carbon Almanac: It's Not Too Late (Published: July 12th, 2022) By by The Carbon Almanac Network (Author), Seth Godin (Editor, Foreword)

The climate crisis poses an unparalleled challenge, forcing us to choose between optimism and fatalism, skepticism and action. Despite the ongoing debate, there's a pressing need for factual information, profound insights, and a shift from viewing climate change as an individual issue to a collective one.

The Carbon Almanac, a collaborative effort involving numerous writers, researchers, and illustrators, offers a comprehensive exploration of climate-related knowledge, using data from over 1,000 sources to illustrate carbon's impact on various aspects of our world. Unlike the narratives propagated by oil companies, marketers, activists, or politicians, this book provides a genuine account of our planet's plight. It underscores the urgency for collective action, as no single entity can tackle the crisis alone, emphasizing that self-interest only exacerbates the problem. The window for transformative change remains open.

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Book 4: Purified: How Recycled Sewage Is Transforming Our Water (Published: November 9th, 2023) by Peter Annin (Author)

In the early 2000s, a severe climate-induced "megadrought" descended upon the Colorado River watershed, sending shockwaves through the region. By the early 2020s, the water levels in the Colorado River's two largest reservoirs had plummeted to unprecedented lows, posing a grave threat to the water supply for a staggering forty million people. Even in states with traditionally abundant rainfall like Florida, water reserves were under stress. Across the nation, conventional methods to ensure a stable supply of one of Earth's most essential resources – drinking water – were proving inadequate. It was in this challenging backdrop that the concept of recycled water emerged as a potential solution.

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In "Purified: How Recycled Sewage Is Transforming Our Water," the accomplished journalist Peter Annin delves deep into the realm of wastewater recycling, revealing its surprising role in America's battle against water scarcity. Annin takes readers on a journey across five water-scarce states – California, Texas, Virginia, Nevada, and Florida – exploring the growing water reuse movement. He immerses himself in this world, even sipping beer made from purified sewage, visiting communities where recycled sewage saved the day, and investigating how one of the country's largest wastewater treatment plants aims to recycle 100% of its wastewater by 2035. Along the way, readers meet the individuals at the forefront of the recycled water movement, as well as those who remain skeptical. While the technology has made significant strides in transforming sewage into safe, chemical-free water, the real challenge lies in public perception and acceptance. Concerns about communities being used as "guinea pigs," sensationalized media coverage, and catchy slogans like "toilet to tap" have often hindered progress. Yet, as Purified compellingly argues, potable water recycling has become an imperative frontier in the quest for expanded water supply options, especially in the era of climate change. Water can no longer be taken for granted – not even sewage.

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Book 5: The Future Is Now: Solving the Climate Crisis with Today's Technologies (Published: Sep 27th, 2022) by Bob McDonald (Author)

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In the wake of the global pandemic, as motorized boats and gondolas retreated from Venice's waters, a remarkable transformation occurred: the once murky canals turned a brilliant shade of blue. Italy witnessed deer wandering through its cities, and in Wales, mountain goats temporarily claimed a seaside town. Amidst diminished boat traffic, even whales returned to explore Vancouver's harbors. These observations underscore the profound impact of human activities on our environment. In "Bob McDonald's Book," the author shifts our attention to global energy sources and highlights how the worldwide shutdowns may have inadvertently provided a glimpse of a greener future.

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This isn't just another "wake-up call" or a repetitive plea to heed climate science. Instead, it's a journey into the incredible technologies available to address the environmental challenges we've created. Fueled by immense optimism, this book offers solutions to counter the prevailing sense of environmental doom. While established alternative energy sources like wind, solar, and geothermal have been accessible for decades, the book delves into the need for additional power from innovations such as compact nuclear reactors and space-based solar power satellites. These cutting-edge technologies, along with harnessing energy from waves, tides, and hydrogen, promise a future where vehicles no longer emit harmful smog particles, and food is sourced locally. The book illuminates the thriving green technology sector and the ongoing evolution of products, paving the way for a new era of sustainable living.

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Book 6: Five Times Faster: Rethinking the Science, Economics, and Diplomacy of Climate Change (Published: June 6th, 2023) by Simon Sharpe (Author)

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The urgency of averting perilous climate change looms larger than ever, demanding action at an unprecedented pace – five times faster than our current trajectory. Amidst the disheartening backdrop of Greenland's ice melting, Australia's devastating wildfires, and the relentless ascent of greenhouse gas emissions, it's easy to point fingers at the usual suspects: oil companies, rampant consumerism, and feeble political leadership. However, Simon Sharpe, drawing from his decade-long involvement in climate change policy and diplomacy, presents a thought-provoking perspective in "Five Times Faster." This inside story contends that our real impediments to progress may lie within the very ideas and institutions designed to assist us in the battle against climate change.

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In this compelling and insightful book, Sharpe unveils the shortcomings across the domains of science, diplomacy, and economics. He argues that while the scientific community possesses the knowledge to tackle climate change, it often restrains its full potential. Diplomacy, meanwhile, frequently engages in the wrong battles, and economic interests sometimes align against the common good. "Five Times Faster" challenges us to reimagine our strategies and realign our collective efforts in these critical areas. By doing so, we can aspire to a future where swift and effective action becomes the cornerstone of our quest to safeguard our planet.

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Book7: Chief Sustainability Officers At Work: How CSOs Build Successful Sustainability and ESG Strategies (Published: March 26th, 2022) By Chrissa Pagitsas (Author)

Dive into an exclusive collection of over 20 in-depth interviews with Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) hailing from Fortune 500 giants like Amazon, Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble, and globally renowned brands such as IKEA and Netflix. Within these illuminating conversations, these CSOs unveil their strategies for delivering substantial environmental and social benefits through their organizations' core products and services. They showcase how revenue growth can be harmonized with addressing distinctive leadership, change management, regulatory, and stakeholder challenges, offering valuable insights into the intersection of sustainability and corporate success.

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In an era where sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies have assumed a central role in business growth and risk management, CSOs have emerged as pivotal drivers of revenue and strategy. However, these CSOs defy uniformity, spanning diverse backgrounds, titles, and scope of responsibilities. From former Peace Corps volunteers to supply chain experts, these C-suite leaders embark on audacious journeys, setting ambitious carbon emissions and net-zero goals, pioneering circular economy-focused products, fostering diversity within their workforce, aligning strategic initiatives with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and streamlining reporting for the SEC, investors, and beyond. Explore the multifaceted world of CSOs as they redefine traditional career paths to steer their organizations toward a sustainable future.

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Book 8: The West Texas Power Plant That Saved the World: Energy, Capitalism, and Climate Change, Revised and Expanded Edition (Published: October 25th, 2023) by Andy Bowman (Author), Katharine Hayhoe (Foreword)

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In West Texas, a solar power plant emerges as a beacon of hope in the fight against climate change. "The West Texas Power Plant That Saved the World" delves into how one plant's sustainable practices and commitment to clean energy might chart a sustainable path forward for enlisting American capitalism in the battle against climate change.

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Chapter 9: Carbon Capture (Published: September 11th, 2018) by Howard J. Herzog (Author)

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Fossil fuel combustion is a primary source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, a leading contributor to climate change. Amidst climate crisis concerns, carbon capture has emerged as a relatively understated yet crucial pathway for climate mitigation. Within the pages of this volume from the MIT Press Essential Knowledge series, Howard Herzog offers a concise and comprehensive guide to carbon capture. The book not only covers the fundamental principles but also situates carbon capture within the broader context of climate technology and policy. Carbon capture, often referred to as carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS), encompasses an array of technologies designed to mitigate CO2 emissions. These technologies "capture" CO2 before its release into the atmosphere, transporting it to storage or utilization sites. Notably, CCS stands out as the only climate change mitigation approach that directly addresses the challenge posed by fossil fuels, rather than providing alternative energy sources.

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Howard Herzog, a trailblazer in the field of carbon capture research, initiates the exploration by delving into the basics of climate change and demonstrating how carbon capture can serve as a potent solution. He elucidates the various capture and storage technologies, from chemical scrubbing to deep underground CO2 injection. Moreover, Herzog provides insights into ongoing efforts to implement CCS at industrial facilities and power plants, as well as initiatives aimed at capturing CO2 directly from the atmosphere. Throughout the book, he navigates the intricate web of policies and politics surrounding CCS, advocating for its prioritization on the global policy agenda as a critical tool in the fight against climate change.

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Book 10: Urbanism for a Difficult Future: Practical Responses to the Climate Crisis (Published: September 29th, 2022) By Korkut Onaran (Author)

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This is an indispensable guide for navigating the intricate landscape of urban planning and land use, critical in our efforts to adapt to and withstand the extensive repercussions of climate change.

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The book presents a sturdy framework for constructing a resilient environment through the establishment of self-reliant pockets. It not only delineates strategies to secure essential life-supporting systems encompassing energy, water, food, waste, and critical resources but also introduces the crucial political and social protocols necessary for agile decision-making, particularly at the local level, to proficiently oversee these systems. Furthermore, it imparts the principles of design required to construct a built environment conducive to the localization essential for effective adaptation. The book challenges the dependence on large-scale regional sustenance systems, which are susceptible to disruption and failure, and offers a vision of a life not contingent on them.

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Book 11: Regenesis: Feeding the World Without Devouring the Planet (Published: May 26th, 2022) by George Monbiot (Author)

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In the Sunday Times bestseller and Wainwright Prize-shortlisted book, "Regenesis," George Monbiot ignites a call for nothing short of a revolution in the future of food. With a gripping narrative, Monbiot addresses the daunting issue of farming, which stands as the leading cause of environmental devastation worldwide, yet remains a topic largely unexplored. As humanity ploughs, fences, and grazes vast expanses of the Earth, forests are felled, wildlife vanishes, and rivers and oceans suffer contamination in the pursuit of feeding ourselves, even as millions continue to face hunger. Now, the very food system we rely on teeters on the brink of collapse. However, Monbiot presents a compelling argument in this groundbreaking work, demonstrating that we can tackle our greatest dilemmas and nourish the world without depleting the planet's resources.

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"Regenesis" unveils an awe-inspiring vision of a new era for food and humanity. Harnessing remarkable breakthroughs in soil ecology, Monbiot explores how our evolving understanding of the world beneath our feet holds the key to producing more food with less environmental impact. He introduces us to individuals spearheading these transformative methods, from innovative fruit and vegetable growers who redefine fertility to breeders of perennial grains that free the land from ploughs and toxins, and scientists pioneering novel approaches to protein and fat production. Together, they reveal how the tiniest life forms might offer a path to reconciliation with the planet, rejuvenating its ecosystems, and replacing an era of extinction with one of regeneration.

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Book 12: ?Critical Minerals, the Climate Crisis and the Tech Imperium (Archimedes, 65) 1st ed. 2023 Edition (Published March 1st, 2023) by Sophia Kalantzakos (Editor)

This book delves into the contemporary landscape of resource competition, exploring the confluence of several pivotal forces. The ongoing energy transition and the rapid digitalization of the global economy are gaining momentum, coinciding with intensifying geopolitical tensions fueled by Sino-American rivalry. Within this context, the volume assembles an interdisciplinary cohort of scholars, policy experts, institutional stakeholders, and industry leaders. Their collective analysis not only examines the dynamics of these ongoing transitions but also underscores the profound implications arising from the imperative of securing uninterrupted access to unprecedented quantities of raw materials.

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While navigating the multifaceted challenges confronting global society, governance structures, industries, international power dynamics, and environmental sustainability, this book raises critical questions about the choices that must be made to achieve the ambitious goal of net-zero emissions by mid-century. Furthermore, it sheds light on the diverse dimensions of the escalating risks facing what were once globally interdependent supply chains. This nuanced, balanced, and pragmatic approach serves to counteract sensationalized headlines that often engender confusion, fostering a more informed basis for policymaking. Ultimately, this volume emerges as a product of the "Rich Rocks, the Climate Crisis, and the Tech-Imperium" Summer Institute held at Caltech and the Huntington in July 2021.

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