How to Avoid a Climate Disaster
Gates, BillWhich do you want first, the good news or the bad news? In this accessible and cogent guide to global warming and climate change, author Bill Gates delivers both the many challenges ahead, as well as the solutions that are lining up and the breakthrough technologies that are needed.
Written with simplicity and clarity, this blueprint for avoiding disaster is fortified with science and economics and offers a potential path to a zero-carbon future.
Pages
380
380
Year
2021
2021
Reviews
04-12-2024
A lot of discussion followed the reading of this book. Many members said it has made them more aware of world events and more mindful of our individual responsibilities.
27-11-2024
Very readable. Related to N.Z. situation. Important to be informed. Prompted thoughts about individual, and local government responsibilty.
29-04-2024
Lots of discussion, even from those who had not read the book. The book was easy to read and very informative.
28-02-2024
A very sobering read. Our members appreciated the research that had gone into the book, but did not share Bill Gate's optimism for technological solutions, bearing in mind current political and governance problems around the world.
18-12-2023
Everyone should read the book. It gave the Group food for thought.
26-09-2023
Informative and easy to read.
21-09-2023
Our entire group agreed that whilst the book held extremely important information it felt too much like a textbook, and for us, the information was not presented in a way that was easily digestible. Only 1 (out of 8) managed to finish the book - we all agreed the info would be easier to digest as a video or something more interactive.
05-09-2023
Overall, we agreed that the sentiments in the book were extremely important, the points were laid bare for all to absorb. Our discussion centred around what, as individuals, can we start doing / keep doing. We felt its time for governments to step up and do their bit even if we find it a hard pill to swallow, otherwise who knows what our children will be faced with in years to come.
06-07-2023
Most members rated this book highly. They admired the scope of the book - Gates' synthesis of a broad sweep of information and his presentation of that information under five broad headings - how we plug in, how we make things, how we get around, how we keep cool and stay warm. Overall the book convinces, despite its complete reliance on secondary and tertiary sources and its patronising tone. Perhaps our high score reflects the importance of the topic, and salutes Gates' willingness to tackle the topic head on. He is following his conscience, and he didn't have to write this book.
11-05-2023
Important book that applies numbers to the climate crisis - many people will be surprised eg. tree planting is good but the effect is very small; and concrete is very bad. Everyone should read this book.
21-11-2022
This book set out the problem of climate change very clearly and simply. With a chapter for each of the 5 main causes for our CO2 emissions, including graphs, charts and statistics ( some quite surprising), we are led on with urgency to possible solutions, and told what we can do as a nation and as an individual to help reach Carbon Zero by 2050. We liked his final optimistic paragraph on p.226.Good notes and questions for discussion.
18-07-2022
Led to a very interesting discussion!
23-06-2022
All in the group thought that the book was well set out and clearly divided into its compound parts. The work was thoughtfully presented and assertions justified. A worthwhile read...
16-06-2022
Writing a bit dry, but worth reading. Interesting take on climate change and the place of technology in solving issues.