Books
Scrubbing the Sky
Inside the Race to Cool the Planet
Paul McKendrick | 2023
Drawing on interviews with stakeholders at the intersection of climate science, energy technology, and public policy, Paul McKendrick’s investigation traces more than 20 years of technological development with direct air capture, from Biosphere 2; to multi-million dollar promises from Richard Branson, Bill Gates, and Elon Musk; to the opening of Orca, the world’s largest commercial direct air capture facility, in Iceland in 2021.
The question of what will be necessary for direct air capture to reach a meaningful scale, and how much it will cost, has fueled intense scientific and political debate, and spurred a value chain that spans finance, industry, technology, policy, and academia.
McKendrick’s clear and riveting prose presents the full story of this fascinating pursuit for the first time, inviting readers to learn more about this critical climate intervention option.
Publisher: Figure.1
Book Reviews
This is the story of the scientists, philanthropists and investors who have spent more than 20 years bringing to life direct air capture, which uses chemicals to extract CO₂ from the air that is then captured for underground storage or use elsewhere.
It is a timely book. Scientists say carbon removal measures will probably be needed to avoid more harmful global temperatures. Companies including Microsoft and Swiss Re have started to pour millions of dollars into direct air capture start-ups.
– Pilita Clark, Financial Times
Author Book Discussions
Author Paul McKendrick is launching a podcast called Scrubbing the Sky Podcast.
Stay up to date on the book’s website.
About the Author
Paul McKendrick is the best-selling author of The Bushman’s Lair. Prior to writing books, he worked in the energy sector as a partner in a firm dedicated to developing and financing renewable energy projects, in addition to stints in the electric utility sector, the oil and gas sector, and investment banking.
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Books on Climate Change, Renewables, Critical Minerals and more
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