NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER NATIONAL BESTSELLER In this urgent, singularly authoritative book, Bill Gates sets out a wide-ranging, practical--and accessible--plan for how the world can get to zero greenhouse gas emissions in time to avoid an irreversible climate catastrophe. Bill Gates has spent a decade investigating the causes and effects of climate change. With the help and guidance of experts in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, political science and finance, he has focused on exactly what must be done in order to stop the planet's slide toward certain environmental disaster. In this book, he not only gathers together all the information we need to fully grasp how important it is that we work toward net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases but also details exactly what we need to do to achieve this profoundly important goal. He gives us a clear-eyed description of the challenges we face. He describes the areas in which technology is already helping to reduce emissions; where and how the current technology can be made to function more effectively; where breakthrough technologies are needed, and who is working on these essential innovations. Finally, he lays out a concrete plan for achieving the goal of zero emissions--suggesting not only policies that governments should adopt, but what we as individuals can do to keep our government, our employers and ourselves accountable in this crucial enterprise. As Bill Gates makes clear, achieving zero emissions will not be simple or easy to do, but by following the guidelines he sets out here, it is a goal firmly within our reach.

Vol. 1 of the report was published as HLP 170-I/HCP 542-I (ISBN 9780104011379)

This document contains a consultation document, the text of the draft Climate Change Bill, explanatory notes to the Bill, and a regulatory impact assessment, published for pre-legislative scrutiny and public consultation. The Bill will introduce a long-term framework for the UK to achieve its goals of reducing carbon dioxide emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change. The consultation document discusses the context and rationale behind the Climate Change Bill and sets out the main reasons why legislation in this area is required. The key elements of the Bill are: (1) setting targets in statute and carbon budgeting, with a statutory goal of a 60 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions through domestic and international action by 2050, based on a new system of "carbon budgets" set at least fifteen years ahead (with reviews at five yearly intervals), and with progress reported annually to Parliament; (2) establishing an independent Committee on Climate Change to advise the government on how to reduce carbon emissions over time and across the economy; (3) creating enabling powers to allow the introduction of new domestic emissions trading schemes through secondary legislation; (4) reporting requirements will enhance the overall transparency and accountability of UK action on climate change, with the Committee on Climate Change reporting annually to Parliament on progress towards budgets and targets, with the Government required to produce a response to this independent report. The consultation closes on 12 June 2007, and responses are invited using the electronic form that is available at http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/climatechange-bill/ although any electronic / written format will be accepted. Responses should be sent to: E-mail: [email protected] or by post to: Patrick Erwin / James Hardy, Climate Change Legislation Team, Area 4/F5, Ashdown House, 123 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6DE.

This report examines the draft Climate Change Bill, which published in March 2007 as Command paper Cm 7040 (ISBN 9780101704021). Target setting alone cannot deliver policy objectives, but enshrining one in law will strengthen the Government's resolve to achieve it, ensure greater public accountability, and give confidence to the business community whose investment decisions are central to meeting the target. The Committee recommends a number of changes to the bill. Inconsistency in language, with "UK carbon account" and "UK carbon dioxide emissions" seemingly used interchangeably, should be addressed. There should not be an upper limit on the 2020 target (26-32 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emission), and the Bill should make provision for both the 2020 and 2050 targets to be revised, though only in an upwards direction. The provision to amend a budget more than a year after the end of a budgetary period is seen as making a nonsense of the concept of budgetary periods, and should be removed completely. The proposed Committee on Climate Change, rightly composed of experts, should not appear to give more representation to economic interests over environmental ones. The resources proposed for the Committee may prove inadequate. The Committee recommends that the impact of climate change on biodiversity should be added to the Bill.

2017 INDIE BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD FINALIST "A rallying cry . . . Everyone who is concerned about the welfare of all species, including human beings. Please read this important book." --Richard Louv, chairman emeritus of the Children & Nature Network and author of LAST CHILD IN THE WOODS and THE NATURE PRINCIPLE The Constitutional Change We Need to Protect Our Priceless Natural Resources For decades, activists have relied on federal and state legislation to fight for a cleaner environment. And for decades, they've been fighting a losing battle. The sad truth is, our laws are designed to accommodate pollution rather than prevent it. It's no wonder people feel powerless when it comes to preserving the quality of their water, air, public parks, and special natural spaces. But there is a solution, argues veteran environmentalist Maya K. van Rossum: bypass the laws and turn to the ultimate authority--our state and federal constitutions. In 2013, van Rossum and her team won a watershed legal victory that not only protected Pennsylvania communities from ruthless frackers but affirmed the constitutional right of people in the state to a clean and healthy environment. Following this victory, van Rossum inaugurated the Green Amendment movement, dedicated to empowering every American community to mobilize for constitutional change. Now, with The Green Amendment, van Rossum lays out an inspiring new agenda for environmental advocacy, one that will finally empower people, level the playing field, and provide real hope for communities everywhere. Readers will discover how legislative environmentalism has failed communities across America, the transformational difference environmental constitutionalism can make, the economic imperative of environmental constitutionalism, and how to take action in their communities. We all have the right to pure water, clean air, and a healthy environment. It's time to claim that right--for our own sake and that of future generations.

Global climate change is a natural process that currently appears to be strongly influenced by human activities, which increase atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHG). Agriculture contributes about 20% of the world's global radiation forcing from carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, and produces 50% of the methane and 70% of the nitrous oxide of the human-induced emission. Managing Agricultural Greenhouse Gases synthesizes the wealth of information generated from the GRACEnet (Greenhouse gas Reduction through Agricultural Carbon Enhancement network) effort with contributors from a variety of backgrounds, and reports findings with important international applications. - Frames responses to challenges associated with climate change within the geographical domain of the U.S., while providing a useful model for researchers in the many parts of the world that possess similar ecoregions - Covers not only soil C dynamics but also nitrous oxide and methane flux, filling a void in the existing literature - Educates scientists and technical service providers conducting greenhouse gas research, industry, and regulators in their agricultural research by addressing the issues of GHG emissions and ways to reduce these emissions - Synthesizes the data from top experts in the world into clear recommendations and expectations for improvements in the agricultural management of global warming potential as an aggregate of GHG emissions

This comprehensive, current examination of U.S. law as it relates to global climate change begins with a summary of the factual and scientific background of climate change based on governmental statistics and other official sources. Subsequent chapters address the international and national frameworks of climate change law, including the Kyoto Protocol, state programs affected in the absence of a mandatory federal program, issues of disclosure and corporate governance, and the insurance industry. Also covered are the legal aspects of other efforts, including voluntary programs, emissions trading programs, and carbon sequestration.