- This is a very sober and rather dull read unfortunately because of its decidedly academic tone. But if you are at all interested in the politics and economics of Australia's challenge in dealing effectively with the climate emergency this detailed book is essential reading.
- It’s refreshing and invigorating if you take it slowly and read it carefully. Garnaut's thesis is that Australia has massive potential in a carbon-free future. If we get it right our economy will benefit enormously.
- His language is measured and constrained, which I found a little disappointing. He's Australia's authority on this stuff, yet he remains reserved and deliberately refuses to be overtly political. It’s politically anodyne, without anger or passion. He goes way too softly softly. For instance, all he says about Abbott’s destruction of Gillard's highly effective carbon pricing regime, the so-called ‘carbon tax’, is ‘...it left an incoherent climate and energy policy legacy’. Christ, Ross, it was fucking disastrous!
- Nevertheless, as you proceed through the book, you cannot help but be increasingly angry at the Coalition's refusal to face scientific facts and its endless evasions and lies. Labor is not let off scot free either. Adani?
- Resurrecting a carbon tax, by far the best policy, is not possible in the immediate future because it would need to be bi-partisan. But long term? Garnaut remains hopeful.
- I'm so glad I wrestled with this book. It wasn't easy, but I did it. Highly recommended.
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