Drawdown describes the 100 most substantive solutions to global warming. For each solution, we describe its history, the carbon impact it provides, the relative cost and savings, the path to adoption, and how it works. The goal of the research that informs Drawdown is to determine if we can reverse the buildup of atmospheric carbon within thirty years. All solutions modeled are already in place, well understood, analyzed based on peer-reviewed science, and are expanding around the world.
There have been agreements and proposals on how to slow, cap, and arrest emissions, and there are international commitments to prevent global temperature increases from exceeding two degrees centigrade over pre-industrial levels. One hundred and ninety-five nations have made extraordinary progress in coming together to acknowledge that we have a momentous civilizational crisis on our earthly doorstep and have created national plans of action.
The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has accomplished the most significant scientific study in the history of humankind, and continues to refine the science, expand the research, and extend our grasp of one of the most complex systems imaginable—climate. However, there is as yet no roadmap that goes beyond slowing or stopping emissions.
To be clear, our organization did not create or devise a plan. We do not have that capability or self-appointed mandate. In conducting our research, we found a blueprint that already exists in the world in the form of humanity’s collective wisdom, made manifest in applied, hands-on practices and technologies. Individuals, communities, farmers, cities, companies, and governments have shown that they care about this planet, its people, and its places. Engaged citizens the world over are doing extraordinary work. We are finding and telling their stories.
“At this point in time, the Drawdown book is exactly what is needed; a credible, conservative solution-by-solution narrative that we can do it. Reading it is an effective inoculation against the widespread perception of doom that humanity cannot and will not solve the climate crisis. Reported by-effects include increased determination and a sense of grounded hope.”
— Per Espen Stoknes, Author, What We Think About When We Try Not To Think About Global Warming
“...[T]here’s been no real way for ordinary people to get an understanding of what they can do and what impact it can have. There remains no single, comprehensive, reliable compendium of carbon-reduction solutions across sectors. At least until now. ...[T]he public is hungry for this kind of practical wisdom.”
— David Roberts, Vox
“Drawdown is an exceptional example of cooperation between some of the sharpest thinkers on climate and energy matters, an atlas that has the potential to save the planet.”
— Andreas Kuhlmann, CEO German Energy Agency
“With a climate-denying party controlling the government, it can seem that there’s no hope…. But a new book might change that—and serve as a blueprint for what comes next if the U.S. government (and the global community) begins to aggressively focus on altering the climate future. Drawdown is likely the most comprehensive model of climate solutions ever made.”
— Fast Company
“It will give you the best kind of hope, the kind that balances realism with radical vision. ...Stabilizing the climate system will require a heroic global effort, but the point here is only to show that...such an effort can do more than merely succeed; that it can succeed well, and open into futures that we can actually bear to contemplate. ”
— Tom Athanasiou, The Nation
“Be kindly unto the scientists, for they may just save our skin—and make us happier and wealthier in the bargain…. An optimistic program for getting out of our current mess, well deserving of the broadest possible readership.”
— Kirkus Review
“Drawdown is likely the most hopeful thing you’ll ever read about our ability to take on global warming.”
— Joel Makower, GreenBiz
“Drawdown is a magnificent achievement.”
— Greg Watson, Schumacher Center for New Economics
“A bold plan to beat back climate change based on solutions already within our grasp.”
— Outside Magazine
“It’s so brilliant…a showstopper.”
— Donald A. Falk, PhD, Associate Professor School of Natural Resources and the Environment University of Arizona
“A rigorous and profoundly important resource.”
— Donna Seaman, Booklist
“Drawdown is not just a project – it is an adventure. It is a promising story that has the potential to engage every person on the planet with at least one solution to climate change, whether it is educating girls, improved rice cultivation, creating walkable cities, eating a plant-rich diet, household recycling, or any of the other solutions. ”
— Karen O'Brien, cCHANGE
Teachers and college professors: to order a review copy of Drawdown for course consideration, visit https://penguinrandomhouseeducation.com/desk-and-exam.
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