“Here comes the Sun” by veteran journalist and climate activist Bill McKibben was our February JRI book club read. Whilst this review reflects primarily my own opinions, I will at times mention the thoughts of others who attended.
We typically begin the club by asking people for their very brief initial thoughts, and I think it’s fair to say that with one or two caveats (more on them later) we all found it to be a good read with an encouraging message.
The title alludes to the enduringly popular Beatles track which draws on the coming of the sun as an image of renewal and optimism. And it’s exactly that feeling that McKibben wants to share in relation to the possibilities of solar (and wind) power. But the book’s subtitle perhaps best captures the balance he is trying to strike between optimism and urgency: A last chance for the climate and a fresh chance for civilization. (italics mine)
McKibben’s central argument is that we are on the brink of a renewable energy revolution. “We’re at the beginning of what may be the most important moment in the history of our species.” He argues that the transition from fossil fuels to renewables is now rapidly gathering pace, and he is confident of continued progress. But with the Paris target of 1.5 degrees of warming over the pre-industrial average now looking all but impossible the question is – will we move quickly enough?
The cause for hope, and the inspiration for this book, is the dramatic fall in the cost of solar (and wind) power. He notes, “In 1977, solar modules cost seventy-six dollars a watt. By 2017, they cost thirty-six cents.” This dramatic shift along with significant improvements in the efficiency of solar panels and much improved battery technology set the scene for a solar revolution driven as much by economics as environmental concern. As prices fall, adoption accelerates, reshaping markets and infrastructure at remarkable speed. It’s interesting to note that solar thrives both where governments have made strong policy decisions to prioritise clean energy, as for example in China, and where a relatively libertarian approach to regulation simply gets out of the way and lets the market decide (Texas).
McKibben notes that whilst fossil fuels, rely on centralized extraction and distribution systems, and can thus be closely controlled by governments and corporations, renewable energy is much more equitably distributed. The sun shines everywhere and where the sun shines less, there tends to be more wind power available to compensate. In this way, the renewable revolution is not only technological but structural, with the potential to democratize energy systems worldwide.
I’m writing this review as we enter the third week of America and Israel’s war on Iran. Oil is trading at over $100 a barrel powerfully reinforcing McKibben’s point about the value of shifting rapidly to a more equitable energy distribution – in fact the Guardian reported this week that reaching Net Zero by 2050 will be cheaper for the UK than suffering just one fossil fuel crisis.
After a lifetime of campaigning McKibben is well aware of the arguments thrown up (often disingenuously) against renewables, so in successive chapters he asks: can we afford it, can the poor afford it, is there enough stuff (rare earths etc) and is there enough land? He makes a strong case for each, whilst also noting the challenges. I was particularly struck by the case studies from African countries showing the use of distributed networks of mini-grids. Major investment is needed to scale them on a continent wide basis but, as McKibben points out, the numbers are certainly not out of reach if the political will is present.[1]
The if of course is the problem. Despite his optimism and the enormous progress that has been made the author acknowledges fierce political resistance, observing, “The fossil fuel industry is fighting hard because it understands the math.” With their vast funds available for lobbying and consequent influence in the corridors of power, the challenge is considerable.
The book closes with a section called “Let’s Do This.” This is the book’s call to action and McKibben argues that now the technology and economics for a renewable revolution already exist, the challenge is to speed up deployment. Here we can all play a part through political engagement and helping to overcome resistance to local projects. As one book club member put it – think global, act local. Whilst I think a few of us at the club may have felt that there weren’t too many actions we could take – if you can’t afford big ticket items like electric vehicles and rooftop solar, and there is no local project to support; but of course we can all use our votes, and, as another member pointed out, we can all make sure we are using a renewable power provider.
The final chapter in this section is called, “Face to the Sun,” and here McKibben, who mentions his Christian faith in passing in the earlier part of the book, thinks a bit more deeply about humanity’s relationship with the sun, in history, spirituality and Christianity. I’m glad that he included this kind of reflection, but I wasn’t alone in thinking some aspects of it were perhaps a little naïve. He suggested that as people become more aware of the source of our power that we may feel more connected to the world and a little more inclined to look up from the lights in our hands to the one in the sky. It’s a lovely thought, I just can’t see it, but maybe I’m just too cynical.
Overall, this is a book I, and I think everyone present at the book club, would be happy to recommend. McKibben’s work is clear and hopeful, presenting some much needed climate good news and an urgent call to action. Let’s hope and pray that the world heeds the message of Here Comes the Sun, and his next book isn’t called Yesterday.[2]
James Watterson is JRI Operations Manager
[1] He quotes a figure of $90 billion
[2] Possibly the least important thing I learned in reading this book was that “Here Comes the Sun,” is the Beatles’ most streamed song. I would have guessed “Yesterday,” which it turns out holds the record for most radio plays and cover versions. For those who don’t know it – Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away – but now it looks as though they’re here to stay….