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  • The Future Is Now

  • Solving the Climate Crisis with Today's Technologies
  • Written by: Bob McDonald
  • Narrated by: Bob McDonald
  • Length: 10 hrs and 25 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (9 ratings)

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The Future Is Now

Written by: Bob McDonald
Narrated by: Bob McDonald
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Publisher's Summary

One of:

CBC’s “27 Canadian books we can't wait to read in September”
CBC’s “60 works of Canadian nonfiction to watch for in fall 2022”
Toronto Star's “40-plus books we’re most looking forward to this season”


Is a global pandemic what it took to show us that saving our planet is possible?


In the absence of motorized boats and gondolas, Venice’s waters have returned to a sparkling blue color. Deer have been spotted roaming cities in Italy, and mountain goats recently took over a small seaside town in Wales. Taking advantage of the decreased boat traffic, whales have returned to roaming Vancouver’s harbours. The absence of “regular” human activities has dramatically affected our environment. In this book, Bob McDonald turns his focus to global energy sources, and shows how the global shutdowns may have been exactly what we needed to show us that a greener future is achievable.

This is not another “wake-up call,” and not another plea to heed the climate science. This is an exploration of the incredible technologies that our species can use to get out of the mess we’ve made for ourselves. It is a work of immense optimism, to counteract the sense of doom that hangs over most discussions of the environment.

Many alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal have been available for decades—but they alone will not be enough. Additional power will come from small nuclear reactors the size of an office desk, and space-based solar power satellites with enormous mirrors that can capture sunlight, convert it to microwaves, and beam it to the ground to light up entire cities. Energy will be captured from waves, tides, and hydrogen. Vehicles will no longer have tailpipes that emit smog particles. Food will be sourced locally.

Green technology is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy, and will only continue to skyrocket as current products improve their performance and new products emerge. A new green age is upon us—let this book be your guide to the future.

©2022 Bob McDonald (P)2022 Viking

What the critics say

“Bob McDonald uses the global industrial shutdowns brought on by COVID-19 to show that a green future is possible – and upon us. McDonald explores the usual alternative energy sources, but also introduces readers to new ones, including desk-sized nuclear reactors, space-based solar power satellites, and energy from waves, tides, and hydrogen.” —Quill & Quire

The Future is Now is not another wake-up call, but rather an optimistic book that looks at existing technologies and how they can be used now to address the environmental emergency.” —Vancouver Sun

Regenesis unflinchingly outlines the damage farming does to the planet.” —Big Issue

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Important information

If you want to know of all the pros and cons of our many potential energy sources, this book is a must read.

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refreshing

great summary of alternatives to fossil fuels and how they will combine to fuel the future

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Straight forward, factual and entertaining

While most information I've read on the topics of energy and climate change leave me a little stressed and worried. Bob's very educated and insightful perspectives give me hope we will solve this problem. I highly recommend this book!

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