Hacking Planet Earth

How Geoengineering Can Help Us Reimagine the Future

By: Thomas M. Kostigen

Narrated by: Johnathan McClain

An exploration of the cutting-edge technology that will enable us to confront the realities of climate change.

For decades scientists and environmentalists have sounded the alarm about the effects of global warming. We are now past the tipping point. As floods, storms, and extreme temperatures become our daily reality, "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" efforts aren't enough anymore. In Hacking Planet Earth, New York Times bestselling author Thomas Kostigen takes readers to the frontlines of geoengineering projects that scientists, entrepreneurs, engineers, and other visionaries around the world are developing to solve the problems associated with climate change.

From giant parasols hovering above the Earth to shield us from an unforgiving sun, to lasers shooting up into clouds to coax out much-needed water, Kostigen introduces readers to this inspiring work and the people who are spearheading it. These futurist, far- thinking, world-changing ideas will save us, and Hacking Planet Earth offers readers their new vision for the future.

Critic reviews

“Greenhouse gas emissions are rising and storms are brewing. Will humanity respond to climate change in time? Thomas Kostigen takes us on a fascinating tour of innovations worldwide, some uplifting and some ominous, that may help us to manage climate change.”—Dr. Robert Lempert, Nobel Peace Prize winning member, United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

“Kostigen travels to the ends of the earth on a daring and thrilling eco adventure to discover who and what can save our dying planet, and he comes back with great stories, astonishing ideas, and radiant hope for our collective future.”—Bradley Trevor Greive, New York Times bestselling author and host of Animal Planet

“Kostigen delves into the climate crisis with an unflinching look at what might save us; just as the time to solve climate destruction is quickly running out.”—Leila Conners, founder, Tree Media and director of HBO's celebrated documentary, Ice on Fire

“Kostigen delivers another fantastic and timely book that everyone should read if they care about the future of the planet and humanity.”—Philippe Cousteau, explorer and filmmaker

"A highly optimistic, sincere account of those leading the charge to solve a grave problem that some still choose to ignore."—Kirkus Reviews

"An intriguing overview of what science and engineering could do to help keep the planet livable."—Publishers Weekly

Useful Strengths with Weaknesses

The broad coverage of this book, beyond classic “bioengineering “ is its greatest strength. For example, it discussed new technology of bladeless wind turbines & hydropanels. Weaknesses include superficial coverage, irritating jokes & errors. For example, wet bulb temp is obtained with a moist cloth wrapped on a thermometer bulb, not a light bulb.

I found this book fascinating

I found this book fascinating... Faced with the devastating potential outcomes from climate change, Kostigen provides a high-level overview of many possible geoengineering solutions. Some seem outrageous / some seem crazy / some might be needed. Regardless, it is really interesting to learn more about them! Easy to read, entertaining and educational.

basically pr fluff with little to no investigation

surprised that such an important topic received such superficial treatment. there's a lot of potential to help the world here. unfortunately, it's mixed in with and undifferentiated from reprinted corporate pr