Publication
Penguin, c2021
Status
Available
Description
Science. Technology. Engineering. Nonfiction. HTML: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 b… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member scottjpearson
It’s no secret that climate change has begun to affect human lifestyles. Unfortunately, world politics and economics are ill-positioned to deal with this crisis. If we can’t agree that vaccines are a good thing, how can we agree on the difficult sacrifices required to preserve our planet for
Without a doubt, the billionaire Gates is thinking about his legacy as he attempts to give much of his fortune away through the Gates Foundation. This book, likewise, is certainly part of these efforts. Nonetheless, he shows particular care in how he deals with these issues in detail. He talks about specific technologies and economic impacts. This book does not go the way of a mere jeremiad about the environment, but is rather concerned with specifics of how humans will survive under new conditions. It will upset many who stand to lose power, money, and influence in a remade world economy.
This book covers everything from what is happening and why, to how society must change and how individuals can promote change today. He also shows attention to the concerns of poorer nations – those most affected by climate change who did the least to cause it. This book’s most difficult aspect is that it covers so many details that the reader is easily overwhelmed. That just goes to show that climate change is a complex problem with complex solutions.
Gates is ambitious to tackle this subject. He does an excellent job at providing high-level analysis. However, readers cannot help if they feel he is being a bit idealistic about solutions. Climate change is on the radar of politicians in developed countries, but if the public lacks the political will to attack COVID squarely, how can we unify in attack against something as difficult and upsetting as climate change? I’m a bit cynical that we will. Gates needs helpers among national leaders in the ruling classes. Still, technologists should bite at these prospects, however, because he talks details about economic opportunities to seize the future.
With this book, Gates attempts to pique the interests of the reading public about the effects of climate change. He does so in a practical and helpful way that advances the conversation. He is not a partisan of any political ideology nor a scientific ideology. He is realistic and honest about the sacrifices needed. I lament that society does not have much of a choice about tackling this matter. I also lament that so many think that we do, choosing short-term financial gain over long-term human health. It’s time to act, and Gates makes that case forthrightly. I’m wondering, though, is anyone listening?
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future generations? Despite this (or perhaps because of this), Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and the philanthropy Gates Foundation, is lending not only his name but also his time/energy to the effort. In this text, he approaches the crisis as an engineering problem and spells out specific needs and solutions for the world to embrace. However, he neglects to address how to overcome politically entrenched special interests groups.Without a doubt, the billionaire Gates is thinking about his legacy as he attempts to give much of his fortune away through the Gates Foundation. This book, likewise, is certainly part of these efforts. Nonetheless, he shows particular care in how he deals with these issues in detail. He talks about specific technologies and economic impacts. This book does not go the way of a mere jeremiad about the environment, but is rather concerned with specifics of how humans will survive under new conditions. It will upset many who stand to lose power, money, and influence in a remade world economy.
This book covers everything from what is happening and why, to how society must change and how individuals can promote change today. He also shows attention to the concerns of poorer nations – those most affected by climate change who did the least to cause it. This book’s most difficult aspect is that it covers so many details that the reader is easily overwhelmed. That just goes to show that climate change is a complex problem with complex solutions.
Gates is ambitious to tackle this subject. He does an excellent job at providing high-level analysis. However, readers cannot help if they feel he is being a bit idealistic about solutions. Climate change is on the radar of politicians in developed countries, but if the public lacks the political will to attack COVID squarely, how can we unify in attack against something as difficult and upsetting as climate change? I’m a bit cynical that we will. Gates needs helpers among national leaders in the ruling classes. Still, technologists should bite at these prospects, however, because he talks details about economic opportunities to seize the future.
With this book, Gates attempts to pique the interests of the reading public about the effects of climate change. He does so in a practical and helpful way that advances the conversation. He is not a partisan of any political ideology nor a scientific ideology. He is realistic and honest about the sacrifices needed. I lament that society does not have much of a choice about tackling this matter. I also lament that so many think that we do, choosing short-term financial gain over long-term human health. It’s time to act, and Gates makes that case forthrightly. I’m wondering, though, is anyone listening?
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LibraryThing member GShuk
Entertaining read for such a gloomy topic. He really explains the big picture so it makes sense. He kept his focus throughout the book on getting to 0 not just reducing greenhouse gases.
LibraryThing member the.ken.petersen
It is good that powerful people are taking climate change seriously but, Bill Gates scenario terrifies me: he seems to feel life will go on exactly as it does now , except for the fact that the fuel will be of the non-fossil variety.
He sees no need for any major changes of lifestyle by we of the
If the above were not serious enough arguments with this boo, even on the topic of climate change, I take issue with his idea that off set makes it acceptable for his private aircraft to leap from country to country.
Sorry, Mr Gates, but whilst you may be correct as to where the world's governments wish to take the problem, I sincerely hope that the outcome is different...
He sees no need for any major changes of lifestyle by we of the
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affluent west. Cars will become ever more predominant and unnecessary junk will traverse the planet for our short term titillation. The concept of climate justice is not of import in this version of the future.If the above were not serious enough arguments with this boo, even on the topic of climate change, I take issue with his idea that off set makes it acceptable for his private aircraft to leap from country to country.
Sorry, Mr Gates, but whilst you may be correct as to where the world's governments wish to take the problem, I sincerely hope that the outcome is different...
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LibraryThing member adriek
A3 best becaue it is a nice detailed overview of what is causing the global warming right now. 51 billion tons of CO2 equivalents.
LibraryThing member maneekuhi
Bill Gates’ “How To Avoid a Climate Disaster” (in a mere 230 pages) is – no surprise- a 50,000’ CEO view of how to plan, organize, finance, and execute a globe saving project before humanity is virtually wiped out in the next 100 years. My summary, not his. The book, to someone like
My own low level executive perspective is that first and foremost all the players must agree that we are in the midst of a global crisis with limited time and limited resources, and success must rely on unreserved cooperation among all nations on earth. To me, that global political and governmental partnership is key, and we are not there yet. Not even close. The Paris Accord was a first step, a baby step and the unwillingness of a few critical players to participate illustrates far more clearly where we are than does Gates’ book, unfortunately.
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myself, more than a little concerned about Earth’s environmental future and a believer that it’s a crisis requiring immediate attention, money and action, is informative to a degree. I learned about many other very significant contributors to pollution, the limitations of many of the renewable sources of energy, the incredible cost of getting to “clean” etc etc. What I did not come away with is here is a plan that could work.My own low level executive perspective is that first and foremost all the players must agree that we are in the midst of a global crisis with limited time and limited resources, and success must rely on unreserved cooperation among all nations on earth. To me, that global political and governmental partnership is key, and we are not there yet. Not even close. The Paris Accord was a first step, a baby step and the unwillingness of a few critical players to participate illustrates far more clearly where we are than does Gates’ book, unfortunately.
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LibraryThing member AliceaP
I became conflicted while reading How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates about halfway through because the news broke about his less than stellar behavior (i.e. scummy) towards his wife and female colleagues. (Don't even get me started on his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.) I even
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contemplated marking it as DNF and moving on with my life. Additionally, I didn't feel like I was gaining any new information on the topic of climate change and what we can do to mitigate its effects and continuance. This is more the kind of book that newbies to the topic of environmental sciences and climate change would read to get a handle on the situation. It's full of good data (can't fault the man for thorough research) and is written in a straightforward manner that makes it very readable. He offers solutions both achievable and out-of-the-box to turn the tide so that future generations will not be hit with a deluge of irreversible problems. I was particularly interested in Direct Air Capture which is technology engineered to literally suck carbon dioxide out of the air and store it so that it can be used to generate energy and/or goods that would have required carbon anyway. The goal is to move towards zero fossil fuel emissions but we are a long way from that at this point. Practically, our best bet at this time is to pour money into research and development of technologies which will move us towards products and services that are carbon neutral. (I tell you something I didn't know until reading this book: Cement is not carbon neutral and there doesn't yet exist a cement that can be manufactured without carbon. #themoreyouknow) Conclusion: This is a well-researched book on a topic that more people need to educate themselves about but it doesn't lend a particularly new angle to the discussion. 6/10 Show Less
LibraryThing member tgraettinger
Worthwhile to read to gain some context, esp. around how we generate electricity and how we build things using cement.
LibraryThing member infjsarah
I found this a very readable and brief introduction to all the causes and issues around climate change and how we might get to zero emissions.
It tackles some of the myths while pointing out that the things we think about most are actually easiest to fix - i.e transport but the things we barely ever
There is an emphasis on US politics inevitably but the principles are the same. Gates is a techno-optimist and is at least one who puts his money where his mouth is. I hope he's right and that slow improvements / discoveries will lead to carbon reduction. But will it be fast enough? - who knows - probably not - it's probably already too late.
It tackles some of the myths while pointing out that the things we think about most are actually easiest to fix - i.e transport but the things we barely ever
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think about - manufacturing steel, concrete etc are the hardest things to fix and we are not thinking about them in public discourse nearly enough. I did laugh at the price of petrol comparisons though - it ain't that cheap in the UK love!There is an emphasis on US politics inevitably but the principles are the same. Gates is a techno-optimist and is at least one who puts his money where his mouth is. I hope he's right and that slow improvements / discoveries will lead to carbon reduction. But will it be fast enough? - who knows - probably not - it's probably already too late.
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LibraryThing member Castlelass
This is a well-organized and thoughtful analysis of the current issues regarding carbon emissions and climate change. Currently 51 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalents are released into the atmosphere annually. It is an understatement to say that getting this figure to zero will be a
The subject matter is ordered by major category of emissions, listing the primary causes and how they can be addressed. It contains numerous facts and figures based on the many contacts Gates has made through his charitable foundation. He emphasizes that we need to start now to have a chance for zero emissions by the year 2050.
It is a complex topic with no single solution, and this book provides guidance in understanding the many factors. Innovation, global cooperation, and governmental policies will be important. Gates is optimistic that this issue can be successfully tackled. I think it is a good idea to be informed.
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significant challenge.The subject matter is ordered by major category of emissions, listing the primary causes and how they can be addressed. It contains numerous facts and figures based on the many contacts Gates has made through his charitable foundation. He emphasizes that we need to start now to have a chance for zero emissions by the year 2050.
It is a complex topic with no single solution, and this book provides guidance in understanding the many factors. Innovation, global cooperation, and governmental policies will be important. Gates is optimistic that this issue can be successfully tackled. I think it is a good idea to be informed.
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LibraryThing member KallieGrace
This is pretty surface-level information on climate change and what we can do to mitigate the damage. There are some good facts here, I certainly learned a few things, but this is largely a wishlist of everything we need to reach net zero emissions, none of which we have at the moment. I think this
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is a good jumping off point if you're not sure what all is involved in climate change, but there are certainly better books by the experts out there. Show Less
LibraryThing member dualmon
Pragmatic and useful, but kind of as fun as reading a manual
Language
Original language
English
ISBN
9780241448328
Original publication date
2021