Hannah Ritchie’s new book on net zero is a breath of fresh air

Clearing the Air
Hannah Ritchie, Chatto & Windus (UK); MIT Press (US, releasing 3 March 2026)

<pRecently, I found myself at a dinner surrounded by friends when the subject turned, as it often does with a climate journalist, activist, and two civil servants at the table, to renewable energy.

As expected, my companions were knowledgeable about the pressing issues of climate change and the necessity of transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Still, a question arose: Is it realistic to think the UK’s energy grid can depend solely on wind, solar, and batteries during the bleak and overcast winter months?

This leads us to the timely insights found in data scientist Hannah Ritchie‘s latest publication, Clearing the Air: A hopeful guide to solving climate change in 50 questions and answers. Thanks to my well-read copy, I shared with my friends the various energy storage methods that could sustain the grid when natural resources drop off, including pumped hydropower, geothermal energy, and hydrogen.

Ritchie’s former work, Not the End of the World, offered an overview of Earth’s environmental dilemmas. In contrast, Clearing the Air takes on a more instructional tone, delivering data-driven responses to myriad inquiries about the journey towards net zero.

The questions are systematically categorized, covering topics like fossil fuels, renewable sources, electric transportation, and residential heating. Engaging with the material, it becomes apparent that Ritchie addresses the relentless tide of misinformation — often misleading media reports and political rhetoric — surrounding the transition to net zero. This includes claims that electric vehicles will run out of power mid-journey, heat pumps struggle in cold climates, and that there’s insufficient land for solar panels.

Clearing the Air counters this disinformation with robust scientific evidence and reliable data. For instance, Ritchie tackles the question of whether wind turbines are harmful to birds — a common criticism voiced by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The reality is that while wind turbines do result in some bird fatalities, the figures pale in comparison to those caused by domestic cats, buildings, vehicles, and pesticides.

However, wind energy does present a genuine risk to specific bat species, migratory birds, and birds of prey. Ritchie readily points out that mitigating actions can be taken, like strategically siting wind farms, applying dark paint to turbines, and adjusting operations during less windy periods. This nuanced perspective is often absent from sensational headlines or political comments, yet it’s crucial for fully grasping the merits and potential downsides of our shift toward sustainable energy.

Each Q&A format maintains uniformity, allowing for a fluid reading experience while occasionally feeling repetitive if consumed in one go. Clearing the Air serves best as a compact reference tool, ideal for keeping handy when encountering a climate-skeptical relative during holiday gatherings.

Throughout the book, Ritchie embodies her hallmark optimism. She emphasizes that, despite challenges, viable pathways for decarbonization exist across all facets of the net-zero transition, resisting the allure of wishful thinking. The result is compelling: readers emerge informed and reassured that humanity can effectively maneuver through the climate crisis. In an era riddled with misinformation and political spin, this book provides a refreshing sense of clarity.