Into the Clear Blue Sky: The Path to Restoring Our Atmosphere

Climate change is here. From the millions displaced by the floods in Pakistan to California towns incinerated by wildfires, we are already experiencing the anguish that climate change causes. Fossil fuels are making the planet unlivable, and they are deadly. We know that we must cut emissions if we are going to limit the catastrophes, but is that enough?

In Out of the Clear Blue Sky, climate scientist and chair of the Global Carbon Project Rob Jackson explains that we need to redefine our goals. As he argues here, we shouldn't only be trying to stabilize the Earth's temperature at some arbitrary number. Instead, we can restore the atmosphere itself in a lifetime--and this should be our moral duty. Emissions must be cut, first and foremost. But to safeguard a livable planet for future generations, we must repair the damage we have caused.

Jackson introduces us to the brilliant leaders and innovators behind some of the boldest and game-changing climate solutions under development. When it comes to greenhouse gas mitigation, our choices matter, as it is easier to stop emissions from happening than is to remove them from the air later. But while mitigation is crucial, no number of solar panels, electric cars, and veggie burgers will halt climate change. Decades of inaction have convinced Jackson that we need to remove carbon from the air using everything from old-fashioned natural solutions to cutting-edge technologies.

Out of the Clear Blue Sky is a heart- and mind-changing book. Guided by one of the leading scientists in this fight, we learn why we should all feel hopeful. One way or another, we will restore the planet together. The question is how, and how long will it take?