Divest and Protest is my favorite chapter so far-- it has a good balance of optimism and realism. I loved the new section for the 2025 update where they discuss McKibben's new book. It was somewhat jarring, though, going from them talking about banks' promises to divest from fossil fuels by 2027 in the 2024 section, to the reveal that once the new administration took office they went 180° because there was already less public pressure. But I feel like it was a good jarring because it is literally more up to date information and a reality check.
The future of solar energy discussion, however- the topic of his book-- was a very interesting and exciting read. I especially loved the discussion about how even though the US isn't investing in it under Trump, there's still hope because Europe and parts of Asia have been, since it's not only more environmentally friendly but has genuinely become more fiscally beneficial than fossil fuels!
And that comparison really stuck with me: the more coal we use, the further back in the mine we have to harvest it- but the more solar power we use, the more available it becomes.
lizhmil commented...
12w
I’m really enjoying your thoughts as you make your way through the book, and you reminded me that I want to do a re-read with the 2025 updates!
One thing to add, as someone who works in the energy sector in the US, just because the administration is making things much more difficult doesn’t mean progress isn’t still happening exactly because solar is (1) easier and quicker to install and (2) very economically and financially viable. See for example.