Sunlight and Seaweed

Sunlight and Seaweed is the beginning of a new way of helping the planet we live on. AU Review Acclaimed scientist Tim Flannery investigates exciting new technologies currently being developed to address our most pressing environmental threats in a book that presents a positive future for us and our planet. Climate change, food production and toxic pollution present huge challenges, but, as Flannery shows, we already have innovative, practical and inspiring solutions. Solar energy has, until now, been limited to supplying power only when the sun is shining. But new technology using concentrated sunlight to provide intense heat energy that can be effectively stored overcomes this problem, providing clean renewable power around the clock. Further, the large amounts of power produced can be used to tackle the issue of feeding the worlds growing populationby enabling energy-intense methods of purifying polluted land for agricultural production. Drawing carbon out of the atmosphere is an essential component in limiting climate change. Flannery explores the potential of kelp, a fast-growing sea algae, to be used on a large scale to convert carbon from the air to a non-gaseous form, reducing levels of atmospheric carbon. With accessible and engaging explanations of the fascinating science behind these technologies, as well as accounts of the systems already in operation around the world, Sunlight and Seaweed is an enlightening and uplifting view of the future. Tim Flannery has published over thirty books including the award-winning The Future Eaters, The Weather Makers and Here on Earth and the novel The Mystery of the Venus Island Fetish. In 2005 he was named Australian Humanist of the Year and in 2007 Australian of the Year. In 2007 he co-founded and was appointed Chair of the Copenhagen Climate Council. In 2011 he became Australias Chief Climate Commissioner, and in 2013 he founded the Australian Climate Council. His previous book is Atmosphere of Hope: Searching for Solutions to the Climate Crisis. Sunlight and Seaweed also offers an excellent model for how best to communicate the challenges posed by climate change without turning readers off with unrelieved messages of doom. Sydney Morning Herald This new book is among [Flannerys] best...Wonderfully thought provoking...Well informed and sobering. Australian This man is a national treasure, and we should heed his every word. Sunday Telegraph It is difficult to overstate the importance of this concise, convincingly argued view of our worlds prospects for its survival and improvement over the next 33 years...Every one of this slim treatises 127 pages packs a punch, and its timely content deserves to be read by all of us. Books+Publishing Accessible and engaging..An enlightening and uplifting view of the future. Readings Tim Flannery addresses complex issues and make them clear and accessible. His compelling book both seriously informs and entertains...This is a fascinating, exciting and inspirational read. Toowoomba Chronicle Flannery is optimistic, presenting a well-researched range of clearly explained technologies and strategies, and many of them are compelling reasons to be hopeful. SA Weekend A small book full of big ideas...This book doesnt just wow the reader with nifty ideas; Flannery explains how they actually work, with his signature fluency and clarity. Australian Book Review It is a joy to be guided through the science by someone who understands it and can explain it...Flannery commands his subject, but he can also be read for style alone...Flannerys message in Sunlight and Seaweed is urgent and his spare prose reflects this. Newtown Review of Books