Reviews

The authors remove any mystery from Global Warming and Climate Change. Cutting through the fog of complicated claims and counterclaims surrounding these topics, introductory chapters build on basic scientific principles and natural processes with straightforward language to develop a clear understanding of how global warming is due to increased greenhouse gas emissions caused by human activity. Equally clear is that climate change, as distinguished from short-term weather swings, is directly due to global warming. Continuing on our current path will inevitably lead to dangerous levels of warming. Even with very best efforts and extreme measures across the globe the goal of Net Zero is currently well out of reach.

However, the overarching message of the book is hopeful. We can make a huge difference by applying currently available, proven technologies to replace fossil fuels–reducing carbon emissions and hence global warming. We must get to work. Specific actions are detailed to get us on a path which can lead to a future Net Zero. Comprehensive electrification of our society and transformation of the mix of energy sources hold the keys to success. Upgrade and expansion of the electrical grid will be essential to move critical electricity from its widespread sources to where it is needed.

A 9-point Action Plan is put forth. The Plan focuses on replacing fossil fuel energy sources with wide- ranging electrification of homes, industries, and transportation. There is no magic or invention required in this transformation-it simply requires commitment. The key will be in serving the greatly increased electrical demand with renewable power sources, phasing out coal and phasing down natural gas. Building Design, Energy Conservation, and Agricultural advances are important elements of the Plan, but Electrification is the primary driver.

This book is highly readable, the facts are extremely concerning, and the Call to Action is compelling.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the causes of global warming and what can be done to stop the current runaway. It includes solid facts and makes persuasive arguments for change, but avoids political extremism. This is essential background for both the general public and decision makers.

The book leaves nothing out and despite a complete and alarming review of the science and the severity and extent of the problem the authors remain optimistic. This was encouraging and I especially liked the focus on solutions, which we don’t hear enough about in most climate change books and the media. Also interesting and encouraging to see very successful men of business taking on climate change. Enjoy if you and afford it.

This is an amazing book! In Reaching Net Zero, authors Fletcher and Smith have produced a well-organized, clearly written, easily understood, and authoritatively supported resource that every government official, policy maker, politician, economist, journalist, college professor, student, and business leader should have and make use of – if he or she is seriously interested in life on this planet, doing something about it, and motivating others. Here you will find technical, economic, engineering and scientific findings, coupled with authoritative background data, assembled for the purpose of fact-based clear and decisive thinking, communications, and action plans on the intertwined, and all too often confounded, issues of: life on this planet, global warming, the problem with carbon, greenhouse gasses, energy sources, energy conversion and use, land use, economics, economies, and technologies.

Weighing in on the topic of Net Zero, Bill Gates says in the August 4, 2020 issue of his GatesNotes publication, “If you want to understand the kind of damage that climate change will inflict if we do not eliminate the world’s [net] carbon emissions, look at COVID-19 and spread that pain – the loss of life and economic misery – over a much longer period of time.”

Reaching Net Zero addresses that looming problem with motivational facts and documented trends, a common vocabulary for dialog about global warming, the metrics of net zero carbon, references, examples, and clear, straightforward thinking. A helpful feature of this book is a set of authoritative definitions of terminology including what exactly is meant by Net Zero, greenhouse gasses (GHGs), greenhouse gas equivalents, carbon footprint, ocean acidification, energy alternatives, and the significance of international policy-shaping efforts such as The Montreal Protocol, The Paris Agreement, and the IPCC report. It also features benchmarks for success with case examples of successful initiatives to be referenced, examined, and emulated.

This is a book with a concrete, quantitatively supported five-point plan of action for zero net global carbon emissions that should serve to focus the attention of all parties involved in addressing the problem of carbon and global warming on what’s important and what’s doable. That five-point plan involves what to do with: 1) Efficiencies, 2) Coal, 3) Renewable energy sources, 4) Electric vehicles, and 5) Afforestation and land use.

I like Reaching Net Zero: What it takes to solve the global climate crisis and feel empowered after reading it. For the last several years, I have been an avid reader of articles on climate change. Articles, whether in a newspaper, magazine or technical journal, typically cover only one aspect of climate change. This book brings it all together in an easily understood, conscience format. A perfect balance between easy to read and technical data.

If someone wants to advance themselves on this topic and become a well-informed citizen who can discuss and debate with others in a knowledgeable way, plus vote; this book is an essential read. My only regret is that this book is not available to the public in a less costly manner.