The Big Fix

Seven Practical Steps to Save our Planet

By: Hal Harvey, Justin Gillis

Narrated by: Sean Patrick Hopkins

A “smart, honest, and down-to-earth” (Elizabeth Kolbert) citizen’s guide to the seven urgent changes that will really make a difference for our climate.

If you think the only thing you can do to combat climate change is to install a smart thermostat or cook plant-based meat, you’re thinking too small.

In The Big Fix, energy policy advisor Hal Harvey and longtime New York Times reporter Justin Gillis offer a new, hopeful way to engage with one of the greatest problems of our age. Writing in a lively, accessible style, the pair illuminate how the really big decisions that affect our climate get made—whether by the most obscure public utilities commissions or in the lofty halls of state capitols—and reveal how each of us can influence these decisions to deliver change. The pair focus on the seven areas of our political economy where ambitious but practical changes will have the greatest effect: from what kind of power plants to build to how much insulation new houses require to how efficient cars must be before they’re allowed on the road.

Equal parts pragmatic and inspiring—and “full of illustrative stories and compelling evidence” (Al Gore)—The Big Fix provides an action plan for anyone serious about holding our governments accountable and saving our threatened planet.

Critic reviews

"In recounting stories of ordinary citizens who took on the powers that be, Hopkins's down-to-earth narration style offers listeners concrete suggestions for effecting change."

"In recounting stories of ordinary citizens who took on the powers that be, Hopkins's down-to-earth narration style offers listeners concrete suggestions for effecting change."

“Full of illustrative stories and compelling evidence, The Big Fix outlines an ambitious yet feasible guide for how America can lead the global solution to the climate crisis. Business leaders, activists, and policymakers at all levels will find inspiration from the pragmatic approaches outlined in this book.”
—Al Gore

“A truly comprehensive—and entirely comprehensible—guide to the things we can and must do to transform our use of energy. This book will be of great use to anyone who wants to participate in the greatest technological revolution in human history.”
—Bill McKibben

Useful personal and public policy guidance

Useful mix of personal actions to address climate change and guidance for influencing policy in the US

Guide for Climate Action

‘The Big Fix’ should be required listening or reading for all of us, and hopefully all of us desperately care about doing what we can to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change. The authors offer specific recommendations for actions that will make a difference and thus provide hope.

Practical Solutions to a gigantic problem

All of it. It is very relevant to our modern dilemma. Get it and read it.

A nice bit of optimism amid my usual doom

While I already understood a lot of the information contained in this book separately, seeing it presented collectively, and with an aura of optimism, helped me feel more motivated to move forward. There's nothing particularly groundbreaking or novel here, but I think the level of pragmatism for what can be done by normal citizens is helpful. The book provides a wide amount of coverage which would be useful for anyone who's looking to begin the process of understanding what the future world needs.

Excellent suggestions

It will encourage you to join the efforts and give you hope.

I was researching the state of the efforts we have undertaken so far.