Living on Earth, public radio’s environmental news magazine, conducted an interview with author and climate activist Bill McKibben.
In September 1989, The New Yorker published “The End of Nature”, an article on climate change by Bill McKibben, then in his late 20s. McKibben, a prominent environmental activist, founded 350.org and Third Act, and authored 20 books, including “The End of Nature” and “Here Comes the Sun.” This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
STEVE CURWOOD: Is “Here Comes the Sun” more optimistic than “The End of Nature”?
MCKIBBEN: Optimism isn’t the right word. The issues we warned about are now reality. Earth is warming rapidly, confirming scientists’ predictions. Yet, in recent years, we’ve gained a tool—not to stop global warming, but to mitigate it: affordable solar and wind power. Last year, 95% of new global energy capacity came from these clean sources.
CURWOOD: “Here Comes the Sun” suggests we have the means to stabilize climate disruption. What motivated you to write it?
MCKIBBEN: As a journalist, I felt compelled by recent developments in renewable energy, which I cover in my newsletter, The Crucial Years. Notably, China leads in unprecedented renewable energy scale, building three gigawatts of solar panels daily.
Stories of solar power’s impact abound. In Australia, abundant solar energy now allows free electricity for three afternoon hours daily. This transformation reflects a significant shift from fossil fuel dependency, offering hope for equitable energy access worldwide.
CURWOOD: Can solar power reduce global inequality, especially in regions disadvantaged by fossil fuels?
MCKIBBEN: Fossil fuel reliance centralizes power and wealth, benefiting a few. Renewables, available globally, can rebalance geopolitical inequalities. For example, Pakistan’s solar expansion led to the cancellation of costly natural gas imports.
China’s investment in green tech outpaces U.S. fossil fuel exports, but fossil fuel industries resist this shift. The transition is hindered by vested interests, as seen in U.S. political influences that block renewable projects.
CURWOOD: Why is transitioning away from fossil fuels challenging?
MCKIBBEN: Change is difficult, exacerbated by decades of disinformation from fossil fuel industries. However, global momentum is shifting towards renewables, leaving the U.S. lagging behind.
These technologies were initially developed in the U.S., yet we’ve allowed others to lead in implementation, a significant national oversight.
“This is the Costco of energy, man—cheap, available in bulk, on the shelf, ready to go.”
CURWOOD: How is “Here Comes the Sun” resonating with readers?
MCKIBBEN: The book serves as a catalyst, evidenced by 500 events on our first Sun Day. Awareness is growing, and energy policy will likely be a pivotal issue in upcoming elections.
The economic and environmental benefits of renewables are clear, and the broader cultural appeal aligns with humanity’s intrinsic connection to the sun, as evidenced by historical and cultural references.
CURWOOD: Anything to add?
MCKIBBEN: The transition to renewable energy is as much about economic and climate necessity as it is about capturing the beauty of our connection to the sun. Recent announcements by global leaders, like the Vatican’s move to solar, underscore this shift. “Energy from Heaven, not from Hell” is a fitting mantra for our times.
Original Story at insideclimatenews.org