Listen now and read a transcript of this episode. Introducing Sustainability In Your Ear transcripts

Solar and wind have become the cheapest sources of power in human history, but political headwinds threaten to derail the fastest energy transformation ever recorded. At this crucial juncture, how do we ensure America doesn’t surrender its technological leadership in clean energy to nations more willing to embrace the future? Meet Bill McKibben, legendary environmentalist and author whose four decades of climate writing have shaped our understanding of the environmental crisis. His latest book, Here Comes the Sun, argues that we’re standing at the hinge of history. In 2024, 92% of new global electricity generation came from renewables, and the U.S. saw greater gains, at 96% of new generation capacity. McKibben, founder of 350.org and Third Act, believes we can fundamentally reshape how civilization powers itself if we look forward to energy abundance rather than backward to fossil fuel scarcity.

The numbers are stunning, but the transition isn’t guaranteed. McKibben warns that while the adoption of renewable energy is inevitable due to economic forces, it may not occur quickly enough to prevent catastrophic climate change. That’s why he’s organizing Sun Day, a national day of action on September 21st, designed to drive renewables out of the “alternative” category once and for all. Once solar panels are installed, McKibben explains, “the sun pleasantly delivers the energy for free over and over and over and over again.” That’s a paradigm shift from buying energy as a commodity that could reshape not just our power grid, but geopolitics itself. While partisan politics may divide Americans on climate change, polling shows both conservatives and liberals support solar power—albeit for different reasons. His conservative neighbors embrace energy independence and self-reliance, while liberals appreciate the environmental benefits. “Even humans are going to be hard pressed to figure out how to start a war over sunshine,” McKibben notes.

You can learn more about Bill McKibben’s work at BillMcKibben.com and Sun Day events at Sunday.Earth. “Here Comes the Sun” is available on Amazon, at Powell’s Books, and in local bookstores.