Five Times Faster: Rethinking the Science, Economics, and Diplomacy of Climate Change

We need to act five times faster to avoid dangerous climate change, and the real blocks to progress are the ideas and institutions that are supposed to be helping us. Five Times Faster is an inside story from Simon Sharpe, who has spent ten years at the forefront of climate change policy and diplomacy, and suggests how we should rethink our strategies and reorganize our efforts in science, economics, and diplomacy to stay safe.

Format: Hardback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The time for action is now, as the consequences of climate change become increasingly dire. The melting of Greenland, the devastating bushfires in Australia, and the rising levels of greenhouse gas emissions are clear indicators of the urgent need for change. While it is easy to point the finger at oil companies, consumerism, and weak political leaders as the villains responsible for this crisis, it is important to recognize that the real barriers to progress are the ideas and institutions that are supposed to be helping us.

In his book "Five Times Faster," Simon Sharpe, a leading figure in climate change policy and diplomacy, offers an insightful and provocative account of the challenges we face in the fight against climate change. Sharpe has spent ten years at the forefront of this issue, and his book provides a unique perspective on the barriers to progress.

One of the key themes of the book is that science is not pulling its punches in the fight against climate change. Despite the overwhelming evidence of the impact of human activity on the climate, many scientists are still reluctant to speak out publicly about the urgency of the situation. This lack of scientific leadership is a significant barrier to progress, as it undermines the ability of policymakers to make informed decisions and take action.

Another barrier to progress is the way diplomacy is being approached. Many diplomats are focused on negotiating complex agreements and treaties, rather than taking a more proactive approach to addressing the root causes of climate change. This approach is often ineffective, as it fails to address the underlying drivers of climate change, such as economic growth and consumerism.

Furthermore, economics has been fighting for the other side in the fight against climate change. The dominant economic model, which prioritizes short-term profits and growth, is deeply embedded in our society and is resistant to change. This model is driving climate change by encouraging unsustainable practices, such as fossil fuel extraction and deforestation.

To overcome these barriers to progress, Sharpe suggests that we need to rethink our strategies and reorganize our efforts in the fields of science, economics, and diplomacy. He advocates for a more proactive approach to climate change, which involves taking bold and ambitious action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a sustainable economy.

One of the key recommendations in the book is the need to invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and to phase out fossil fuels. This will require significant investment, but the long-term benefits will be enormous, as it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create new jobs in the renewable energy sector.

Sharpe also suggests that we need to prioritize climate change education and awareness. This will require a shift in the way to approach education, which focuses on teaching students about the scientific facts of climate change and the urgency of the situation, rather than just teaching them about the environment.

In addition, Sharpe advocates for a more proactive approach to diplomacy, which involves working with other countries to address the root causes of climate change. This will require a shift in the way that we approach international relations, which is often dominated by geopolitical interests and power struggles.

Finally, Sharpe suggests that we need to reform the institutions that are supposed to be helping us in the fight against climate change. This will require a shift in the way that we approach government, business, and the media, which are often resistant to change and are driven by short-term profits and growth.

In conclusion, "Five Times Faster" is an important book that offers a compelling argument for the need to act five times faster to avoid dangerous climate change. The book challenges the ideas and institutions that are supposed to be helping us in this fight and provides a roadmap for how we can overcome the barriers to progress. By investing in renewable energy, prioritizing climate change education and awareness, taking a proactive approach to diplomacy, and reforming the institutions that are supposed to be helping us, we can create a more sustainable and prosperous future for ourselves and for generations to come.

Weight: 622g
Dimension: 160 x 236 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009326490