In this book, Bob McDonald turns his focus to global energy sources, and shows how the global shutdowns during the pandemic may have been exactly what we needed to show us that a greener future is achievable.

This is not another "wake-up call," and not another plea to heed the climate science. This is an exploration of the incredible technologies that our species can use to get out of the mess we've made for ourselves. It is a work of immense optimism, to counteract the sense of doom that hangs over most discussions of the environment.

Many alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal have been available for decades — but they alone will not be enough. Additional power will come from small nuclear reactors the size of an office desk, and space-based solar power satellites with enormous mirrors that can capture sunlight, convert it to microwaves, and beam it to the ground to light up entire cities. Energy will be captured from waves, tides, and hydrogen. Vehicles will no longer have tailpipes that emit smog particles. Food will be sourced locally.

Green technology is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy, and will only continue to skyrocket as current products improve their performance and new products emerge. A new green age is upon us—let this book be your guide to the future. (From Penguin Canada)

Bob McDonald has been the host of CBC Radio's Quirks & Quarks since 1992. He is a regular science commentator on CBC's News Network and a science correspondent for CBC TV's The National. His book Measuring the Earth with a Stick was shortlisted for the Canadian Science Writers Association Book Award.