The Climate Crisis is causing all sorts of problems with those problems expected to intensify as the heat on planet earth similarly intensifies.
Electricity generation is a big part of that problem. If it’s one of the biggest contributors to climate change spelling definite disaster for humanity, why are we so slow to finding better ways to generate the electricity we all need in a manner that won’t ultimately kill us?
Because, when viewed through an economic lens, the juice isn’t worth the squeeze. That is author Brett Christophers’ premise in his latest book “The Price is Wrong: Why Capitalism Won’t Save the Planet”.
Let’s take a look at the avenues investigated to have arrived at the reason capitalism is the wrong model for humanity’s solution.
Introduction to Brett Christophers
Brett Christophers is a professor and researcher who focuses on the modern financial sector. His work examines how real economic assets are managed financially and how this impacts the environment, especially regarding land and natural resources. He currently teaches at the Institute for Housing and Urban Research at Uppsala University, where he specialises in economic geography.
A Neutral Stance: No Blame, Just Facts
Brett Christophers’ “The Price is Wrong: Why Capitalism Won’t Save the Planet” is a timely exploration that resonates deeply with those of us concerned about the future of our planet. This book dives into the crucial issue of electricity generation, which remains the largest contributor to climate change, and unpacks why the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy has been so sluggish.
Twenty to thirty years ago, solar and wind power were a lot of things, including not being efficient. At the time, it was very expensive. Alone, that barrier was enough for most to stick with what they knew - non-renewables. Fast forward to today, and the picture has changed dramatically: renewable energy is no longer more expensive than coal or other fossil fuels. In fact, it’s cheaper in many cases—something we can all appreciate. Yet, despite this progress, we haven’t seen the widespread shift to cleaner, more sustainable power that we desperately need to slow global warming.
So why hasn’t this change occurred? Christophers doesn’t offer simple answers or assign blame, which might feel unsatisfying at first, but this approach makes the book valuable. Instead, he focuses on providing a clear, fact-based analysis of why the shift to renewable energy has stalled. It turns out that the main obstacle is profitability—or the lack thereof. For many companies, the financial incentive to invest in renewable energy isn’t strong enough to motivate change.
Christophers’ focus on electricity generation is particularly important because it zeroes in on the biggest piece of the climate crisis puzzle. He acknowledges that climate change is a multifaceted issue but doesn’t allow his narrative to become bogged down in the myriad of contributing factors.
What’s refreshing about Christophers’ work is his refusal to point fingers at government, industry, or corporations. Instead, he presents a balanced view that encourages us to understand the complexity of the issue. This objective approach, which is not only insightful but also empowering, suggests that understanding the problem is the first step toward finding workable solutions that take into account the diverse needs of stakeholders around the world. It’s a call for open-mindedness and understanding in the face of a complex issue.
The book is written in an accessible, contemporary style that makes it easy to engage with. Christophers has thought about his audience, avoiding the pitfalls of academic jargon and presenting his ideas clearly. Whether you’re deeply versed in environmental issues or just starting to explore them, you’ll find “The Price is Wrong” to be a thoughtful read.
If you want to deepen your understanding of why the transition to renewable energy has been slower than expected, I highly recommend picking up a copy of Brett Christophers’ “The Price is Wrong: Why Capitalism Won’t Save the Planet”.