How We Survive "Burning Questions:" A conversation with Bill McKibben about his new book on solar power
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Jul 11, 2025 
Bill McKibben, a seasoned climate writer and activist, discusses his new book on solar power. He highlights the explosive growth of solar energy and the barriers to its adoption in the U.S. compared to countries like China and Pakistan. McKibben shares inspiring grassroots initiatives and the emotional landscape of the climate crisis, blending hope with the challenges we face. He emphasizes the need for significant shifts in climate policies and showcases Texas's strides in renewable energy, presenting a vision for a sustainable future.
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Solar's Explosive Recent Growth
- Solar power has dramatically scaled up in the last two years and is now the dominant new source of electricity worldwide.
- Last year, 95% of new electric capacity globally came from solar and wind energy, with China leading the charge.
Solar Cheaper Than Fossil Fuels
- Solar and wind power have become cheaper than fossil fuels in the last five years.
- This shift is historic, enabling rapid movement away from combustion for energy and reducing geopolitical conflicts over fossil fuels.
Solar Power's Price Misconception
- The perception of solar as expensive persists because fossil fuels have been historically cheap.
- Now solar is so cheap that in some regions, panels are used as fences or construction material due to cost advantages.
