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Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. The effects of climate change, including rising temperatures, sea level rise, and more extreme weather events, are already being felt around the world.
To mitigate the effects of climate change and prevent further damage, it is essential that we invest in and develop new technologies that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changing climate. This is where climate technology comes in.
Climate technology, also known as clean technology, refers to the technologies, innovations, and practices that are being developed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.
In this post, we will be discussing some of the best books on climate technology. These books provide a comprehensive overview of the various technologies and solutions that are currently available or being developed to mitigate the effects of climate change. They cover a wide range of topics, including renewable energy, energy storage, carbon capture and storage, and sustainable transportation.
They also provide an in-depth look at the technical, economic and political challenges of transitioning to a low-carbon energy system. By reading these books, you will gain a better understanding of the technologies and strategies that are being used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the effects of climate change.
In this guide, I ranked and reviewed the 10 best books on climate tech in 2023.
- Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming
- The New Map: Energy, Climate, and the Clash of Nations
- How To Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need
- Speed & Scale: An Action Plan for Solving Our Climate Crisis Now
- Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation
- Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World
- The New Climate War: The Fight to Take Back Our Planet
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
- Solar Power Demystified: The Beginners Guide To Solar Power, Energy Independence And Lower Bills
- Carbon Capture
These books focus specifically on the technical aspects of climate change and the various solutions that are being developed to address it, providing a detailed understanding of the subject matter.
What are the 10 Best Books on Climate Tech in 2023?
My top picks are Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming, The New Map: Energy, Climate, and the Clash of Nations, How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need, Speed & Scale: An Action Plan for Solving Our Climate Crisis Now, Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation, Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World, The New Climate War: The Fight to Take Back Our Planet, Electric and Hybrid Vehicles, Solar Power Demystified: The Beginners Guide To Solar Power, Energy Independence And Lower Bills and Carbon Capture.
1. Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming
Author
Paul Hawken
Summary
“Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming” is a book authored by Paul Hawken that was published in 2017. The book presents a comprehensive plan to address global warming and climate change. It includes research and analysis from a team of experts in various fields, including science, business, and policy.
The book presents a list of the top 100 solutions to reverse global warming, ranked by the amount of carbon dioxide they can potentially remove or prevent from being emitted into the atmosphere. The solutions range from well-known measures such as increasing renewable energy and reducing deforestation, to lesser-known solutions such as regenerative agriculture and educating girls.
The book also discusses the economic, social, and environmental benefits of implementing these solutions, as well as the potential challenges and barriers to their implementation. “Drawdown” aims to provide a comprehensive and actionable plan for individuals, organizations, and governments to reverse global warming and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Topics
- Renewable energy: The book covers different renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, and hydroelectric power, and their potential for reducing emissions.
- Energy efficiency: The book also covers ways to reduce energy consumption through improved building design, industrial processes, and transportation.
- Agriculture and food systems: The book covers ways to reduce emissions from agriculture and food production, such as regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, and reducing food waste.
- Buildings and cities: The book covers ways to make buildings and cities more energy-efficient, such as green roofs and urban planning.
- Land use: The book covers ways to use land in a more sustainable way, such as reforestation, soil carbon sequestration, and conservation.
- Transportation: The book covers ways to reduce emissions from transportation, such as electric vehicles and public transportation.
- Materials: The book covers ways to reduce emissions from the production and disposal of materials, such as recycling and the use of sustainable materials.
- Women and girls: The book covers the impact of educating girls and family planning in reducing population growth and emissions.
- Finance and policy: The book covers ways to finance and implement sustainable solutions, such as carbon pricing and subsidies for renewable energy.
2. The New Map: Energy, Climate, and the Clash of Nations
Author
Daniel Yergin
Summary
“The New Map: Energy, Climate, and the Clash of Nations” is a book written by Daniel Yergin, published in 2020. The book provides a wide-ranging analysis of the current state of global energy and its intersection with politics, economics, and climate change.
In the book, Yergin argues that the world is undergoing a profound transformation in energy systems, driven by technological changes, shifting economic conditions, and the growing urgency of climate change. He discusses how these changes are reshaping the global energy map and the geopolitical landscape, and how they are likely to affect the balance of power among nations.
The book covers a wide range of topics including the future of oil and gas, the rise of renewable energy, the challenges of decarbonization, the role of natural gas in the transition to a low-carbon economy, the impact of electric vehicles, and the implications of the changing energy landscape for global trade and security.
Yergin draws on his decades of experience as a leading energy expert and historian, as well as on extensive research and interviews with key players in the energy industry and government. The New Map is regarded as an insightful and informative analysis of the current state of global energy and its implications for the future.
Topics
- The future of oil and gas: The book covers the ongoing shift in the global energy landscape, and how it is affecting the oil and gas industry, including the rise of electric vehicles and the increasing demand for natural gas.
- The rise of renewable energy: The book covers the growth of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, and their potential to reshape the global energy map.
- The challenges of decarbonization: The book covers the challenges of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
- The role of natural gas: The book covers the role of natural gas in the transition to a low-carbon economy, including the increasing use of liquefied natural gas as a transportation fuel.
- The impact of electric vehicles: The book covers the growth of electric vehicles and how it is affecting the global energy landscape.
- The implications for global trade and security: The book covers how the changing energy landscape is affecting global trade and security, including the potential for energy-related conflicts and the role of energy in shaping global economic power.
- The geopolitical implications: The book covers how these changes are reshaping the global energy map and the geopolitical landscape, and how they are likely to affect the balance of power among nations.
- The role of technology: The book covers the impact of new technologies such as hydraulic fracturing, horizontal drilling, and offshore wind on the energy sector, and how they will change the way we produce and consume energy
3. How To Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need
Author
Bill Gates
Summary
“How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need” is a book written by Bill Gates, published in 2020. The book provides a comprehensive examination of the problem of climate change and the solutions that are currently available and the breakthroughs that are needed to address the issue.
In the book, Bill Gates shares his perspective on the impact of the climate crisis and the solutions that are needed to avoid a climate disaster. He discusses the various technologies and strategies that can be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, and carbon capture and storage, and he examines the challenges and opportunities associated with each one.
The book covers a wide range of topics including the energy systems of the future, the role of innovation and R&D in addressing climate change, the potential for breakthroughs in technologies such as nuclear power, hydrogen, and biofuels, the need for policy and market-based solutions, and the potential for international cooperation to address the issue.
Bill Gates draws on his decades of experience in business and technology, as well as on extensive research and interviews with leading experts in the field, to provide a detailed and accessible analysis of the problem of climate change and the solutions that are needed to address it. The book is seen as a must-read for anyone looking for a clear, concise and actionable guide to the climate crisis and what can be done to solve it.
Topics
- The impact of the climate crisis: The book covers the impact of the climate crisis on the environment, society, and the economy, and the urgent need for action to address the issue.
- The energy systems of the future: The book covers the various technologies and strategies that can be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, and carbon capture and storage, and the challenges and opportunities associated with each one.
- The role of innovation and R&D: The book covers the need for innovation and R&D to address the climate crisis, including the potential for breakthroughs in technologies such as nuclear power, hydrogen, and biofuels.
- The potential for policy and market-based solutions: The book covers the need for policy and market-based solutions, such as carbon pricing, to address the climate crisis, and the potential for international cooperation to address the issue.
- The importance of transitioning to clean energy: The book covers the importance of transitioning to clean energy, including the need for electrification in various sectors, the development of hydrogen, and the potential for breakthroughs in battery technology.
- The role of individuals and businesses: The book covers the role of individuals and businesses in addressing the climate crisis, including the need for greater awareness and engagement, and the potential for individual actions to make a difference.
- The importance of investing in research and development: The book covers the importance of investing in research and development, including the need for collaboration among governments, businesses, and organizations to speed the development of new technologies.
- The potential for technology to help to reduce emissions: The book covers the potential for technology to help to reduce emissions, including the potential for breakthroughs in areas such as carbon capture and storage, direct air capture, and negative emissions technologies.
4. Speed & Scale: An Action Plan for Solving Our Climate Crisis Now
Author
John Doerr
Summary
In his book “Speed & Scale: An Action Plan for Solving Our Climate Crisis Now,” John Doerr presents a realistic and precise plan to tackle the climate crisis. Using real-world solutions, he lays out a 10-step plan to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
The book features accounts from climate leaders such as Laurene Powell Jobs, Christiana Figueres, Al Gore, Mary Barra, John Kerry, and others. The book provides practical solutions for policymakers and entrepreneurs to address the climate crisis and emphasizes that addressing the crisis is also an economic opportunity.
The book is aimed at both climate scientists and individuals who want to make a difference in their local communities.
Topics
- Electrify transportation
- Decarbonize the grid
- Fix food
- Protect nature
- Clean up industry
- Remove carbon
- Win politics and policy
- Turn movements into action
- Innovate
- Invest
5. Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation
Author
Paul Hawken
Summary
“Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation” written by Paul Hawken. The book, which was published in 2021, focuses on the urgent need to address the climate crisis and lays out a plan for ending the crisis in one generation.
The book provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of the climate and the various factors contributing to it. It also offers solutions to the crisis, highlighting the importance of transitioning to renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions, and protecting biodiversity.
The book also stresses the importance of collaboration and cooperation across various sectors and industries to achieve these goals.
Topics
- The current state of the climate and the various factors contributing to it.
- The impacts of the climate crisis on various aspects of life, including human health, food systems, and biodiversity.
- The need for a rapid transition to renewable energy sources and the reduction of carbon emissions.
- The importance of protecting biodiversity and preserving natural ecosystems.
- The role of individuals, businesses, and governments in addressing the climate crisis.
- The benefits of taking action on the climate crisis, including economic opportunities, health benefits, and improved quality of life.
- The potential solutions to the climate crisis, such as carbon capture and storage, regenerative agriculture, and reforestation.
- The importance of collaboration and cooperation across various sectors and industries to achieve the goal of ending the climate crisis in one generation.
- The role of each individual in the fight against the climate crisis and the need for collective action.
- The importance of hope and optimism in addressing the climate crisis and the potential for a positive future.
6. Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World
Author
Katharine Hayhoe
Summary
“Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World” is a book written by Katharine Hayhoe, a climate scientist, and professor of political science.
The book is a call to action on the climate crisis, and it provides a comprehensive overview of the science and impacts of climate change and how we can tackle this problem. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the causes and consequences of global warming, the impacts of climate change on various sectors, such as agriculture, energy, and water resources, and the economic, social, and political factors that influence our ability to respond to the crisis.
Hayhoe also discusses the importance of effective communication and the role of faith, hope, and compassion in addressing the climate crisis. She argues that by working together and taking action now, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
Topics
- Overview of the science and impacts of climate change
- Causes and consequences of global warming
- Impacts of climate change on various sectors such as agriculture, energy, and water resources
- Economic, social and political factors that influence our ability to respond to the crisis
- Importance of effective communication in addressing the climate crisis
- Role of faith, hope and compassion in addressing the climate crisis
- The idea of working together and taking action now to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
7. The New Climate War: The Fight to Take Back Our Planet
Author
Michael E. Mann
Summary
“The New Climate War: The Fight to Take Back Our Planet” is written by Michael Mann, an American climatologist and geophysicist. The book was published in 2021.
The book argues that the fight against climate change has entered a new phase. The first phase was one of science and data, in which scientists worked to understand the problem and to provide the evidence needed to support action.
The second phase is one of politics and communication, in which the scientific evidence is used to build public support and mobilize action.
The third phase, which we are now entering, is one of direct confrontation with the forces that are blocking progress, such as fossil fuel companies and right-wing political groups.
The book is a call to action, urging readers to get involved in the fight against climate change. It provides an overview of the current state of the climate crisis, the impacts it is having on the environment and society, and the various solutions that are available to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.
The author explain how fossil fuel industry and their allies have used a variety of tactics to mislead the public and block action on climate change, and how the public can fight back with facts, science, and political action. Mann also provides strategies for how to communicate effectively about climate change, how to build a movement, and how to win the political battles that lie ahead.
Topics
- Political and social aspects of the climate crisis
- The role of the fossil fuel industry and other powerful actors in blocking progress on climate action
- The current state of the climate crisis and its impacts on the environment and society
- Strategies for fighting disinformation and lobbying efforts of these actors
- Communication strategies for effectively discussing about climate change and building a movement
- Solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change
- The importance of hope and healing in addressing climate change
- The need for bringing people together to work towards solutions.
8. Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Author
Tom Denton
Summary
“Electric and Hybrid Vehicles” by Tom Denton is a straightforward and highly illustrated full colour textbook is endorsed by the Institute of the Motor Industry and introduces the subject for further education and undergraduate students as well as technicians.
Topics
- Different types of electric vehicle
- Costs and emissions
- Charging infrastructure
- How hybrid and electric vehicles work
- Batteries
- Control systems
- Maintenance and repair procedures
9. Solar Power Demystified: The Beginners Guide To Solar Power, Energy Independence And Lower Bills
Author
Lacho Pop MSE, Dimi Avram MSE
Summary
“Solar Power Demystified: The Beginner’s Guide to Solar Power, Energy Independence, and Lower Bills” by Lacho Pop is a book that aims to provide a comprehensive guide for beginners who want to learn more about solar power and how to use it to achieve energy independence and lower their bills.
The book covers a wide range of topics, including the basics of solar power, the different types of solar panels and systems available, and how to design and install a solar power system for your home or business.
It also includes practical tips on how to maintain and troubleshoot a solar power system, as well as information on government incentives and financial options for going solar. The book is written in a clear and easy-to-understand style, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.
Topics
- Basics of solar power
- Different types of solar panels and systems available
- How to design and install a solar power system for your home or business
- How to maintain and troubleshoot a solar power system
- Government incentives and financial options
10. Carbon Capture
Author
Howard J. Herzog
Summary
“Carbon Capture” is a book written by Howard Herzog, who is a senior research engineer and principal investigator in the MIT Energy Initiative.
The book provides a comprehensive overview of the technologies and techniques being developed to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power plants, industrial facilities, and other sources.
The book covers the history and current state of carbon capture research and development, the various types of capture technologies available, the costs and benefits of these technologies, and the challenges and opportunities facing their deployment.
It also examines the potential of carbon capture to help mitigate climate change and the role it could play in the development of a low-carbon energy system.
Topics
- Overview of the history and current state of carbon capture research and development
- Explanation of different types of carbon capture technologies such as pre-combustion, post-combustion, and oxyfuel combustion
- Analysis of the costs and benefits of carbon capture technologies, including the economic and environmental impacts
- Examination of the challenges and opportunities facing the deployment of carbon capture technologies, including technical, regulatory, and policy issues
- Discussion of the potential of carbon capture to help mitigate climate change and the role it could play in the development of a low-carbon energy system
- Analysis of the potential of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) in various industrial sectors, such as cement and steel production, and the opportunities and challenges for this technology
- Evaluation of policy and regulatory options for promoting the deployment of carbon capture technologies.
Summary
In conclusion, climate technology is a crucial area of research and development that will play a major role in addressing the challenges of climate change. The books listed in this post provide valuable insights into the latest developments in this field, and offer a wide range of perspectives on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
From understanding the science behind climate change to exploring the practical applications of new technologies, these books provide a wealth of information for anyone interested in learning more about climate technology.
Reading these books can provide a deeper understanding of the complexities of climate change and the potential solutions that are being proposed. It can also give readers a sense of the challenges that must be overcome in order to effectively address this global problem.
Overall, these books are a great resource for anyone looking to learn more about climate technology and the role it will play in shaping our future.
It’s also important to remember that the books mentioned in this post are only a small sample of the many resources available on the topic of climate technology. Readers are encouraged to continue exploring and learning more about this important field through additional resources such as articles, videos, and podcasts.
By staying informed and engaged, we can all play a role in addressing the challenges of climate change and shaping a more sustainable future for all.
