

Bill McKibben & Lauren Markham
Sep 28, 2025
Bill McKibben, a renowned climate activist and founder of 350.org, sits down with journalist Lauren Markham to discuss his latest book, Here Comes the Sun. They highlight the rapid global adoption of solar energy, particularly in places like Pakistan and Africa, and how it promotes climate justice. McKibben also addresses historical obstacles to solar uptake and local reforms needed for its expansion. He emphasizes the affordability of renewables, engages with audience concerns, and motivates listeners to get involved in the climate movement.
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Solar Is An Epochal Breakthrough
- Solar has become the cheapest way to produce electricity globally and is scaling rapidly.
- This shift is epochal and could rival the industrial revolution in significance.
Pakistan's Rooftop Solar Surge
- Pakistan rapidly adopted Chinese solar panels on rooftops and cut grid demand.
- In eight months they built the equivalent of half the country's national grid from distributed solar.
Decentralized Power Undermines Oil Oligarchies
- Decentralized solar can erode economic and geopolitical power tied to fossil fuels.
- Widespread local generation redistributes both energy and political power.