Drawdown: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of Drawdown, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
Many solutions already exist
Hawken and a team of researchers ranked one hundred existing solutions to climate change by their potential to reduce greenhouse gases.
They argue that the tools to reverse global warming are already available.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
Drawdown is the goal
The book defines drawdown as the point when greenhouse gases in the atmosphere begin to decline year after year.
The authors treat it as a clear target that can be measured, because it marks the turning point in the climate story.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
Refrigerants matter greatly
The researchers ranked managing refrigerants, chemicals in fridges and air conditioners, among the most powerful solutions.
The book says this is because some of these chemicals trap far more heat than carbon dioxide does, so even small leaks matter.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
Wasted food adds emissions
The book identifies reducing food waste as a major solution.
The researchers explain that rotting food in landfills releases gases, and growing food that is never eaten wastes land, water and energy.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
Diets can reduce emissions
The researchers list plant-rich diets among the top solutions.
The ranking reflects the researchers' estimate of how much less land, energy and gas would be needed if food habits changed widely. The book presents this as a finding about emissions.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
Education helps the climate
The book ranks educating girls and family planning high, as they affect population and resilience.
The researchers explain that when girls have more schooling and families have more choices, communities become stronger and population growth slows.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
Clean energy is central
The book includes wind and solar power among key solutions.
The researchers explain that these sources can replace fuels that release large amounts of gas, and their costs have fallen over time.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
Forests store carbon
The researchers highlight protecting tropical forests.
The researchers explain that trees take in carbon dioxide and hold it in their wood and soil, so keeping them standing prevents that carbon from being released.
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