In 39 Ways to Save the Planet, Tom Heap explores a variety of ways in which the world’s carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced. The text is split into seven areas: energy, nature, farming, society, transport, buildings and industry, waste. Topics covered range from the familiar, such as solar and wind energy, through to the more less well known, such as the proposed reintroduction of grazing animals to the Arctic tundra and the benefits of sea grass as a carbon store. Likewise, although I was already familiar with many of the facts within the book (beef production accounts for an estimated 10% of all global carbon emissions), there was also much here that was new to be (rice production is astoundingly un-environmentally friendly).

The author’s approach is one of optimism, emphasising that the science is already out there and we do, as a species, have the tools and ability to successfully address the climate crisis. Whether the initiatives here can be scaled up to the degree required - and within the tight timescales needed – to prevent the planet tipping into irreparable climate change, only time will tell. Given the fact that such decisions lie in the hands of politicians and capitalist society, I cannot say I am optimistic.

A thought-provoking read. Recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and BBC Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

An utterly fascinating read. So many logical solutions to our climate crisis. Can we force our MPs to read it?

This is a great reference book to look into if you are interested in things that have already been done to make our planet greener and better. There are 39 ideas presented and described how they are done. I found several of them extremely interesting, although I am sure all of them are good choices. This book really makes you think about better options, and I hope people who invent new things or decide about these things will look into these ideas.