CLIMATE CHANGE and the road to NET-ZERO: Science • Technology • Economics • Politics

“An excellent layman’s perspective of the climate problem today, how it has evolved over time, and the different approaches to solving the problem. I recommend it highly.” – Mark Z. Jacobson, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Stanford University and author of 100% Clean, Renewable Energy and Storage for Everything.

“Mathew brings his wide ranging experience of financial markets, particularly in modelling and forecasting, to add a unique insight to the climate challenge. On one hand, helping us understand how fossil fuels drove prosperity and let the world’s population escape the poverty trap, whilst on the other how rising levels of CO₂ in the atmosphere placed the world at mortal risk. In this book, Mathew’s financial understanding comes to the fore, revealing why we need a sound understanding of economics, climate science and financial modelling to give us the signals we need to act today.” – Mark Campanale, Executive Chairman of the Carbon Tracker Initiative and founder of the ‘unburnable carbon’ capital markets thesis.

“Provides a clear understanding of the technical complexities of reaching zero carbon. Hampshire-Waugh approaches the subject with intellectual rigour, boundless curiosity, and compelling story telling. A must read for anyone interested in climate change and net-zero.” – Vincent Gilles, Chief Investment Officer at Clim8 Invest.

“The Author’s sustainability story takes us from the 18th century through to the present day. Insightful and inspiring!” – Karen Clarke and Olivia Kiernander, The Logical Utilities Company.

“The book that says it all and answers all questions. A comprehensive account of the history of humanity that has led to not only increased prosperity, but also climate change. And the actions and systems change that is now required to prevent dangerous global warming.

Backed by data, analysis and science, Hampshire-Waugh explains how climate change, if left unchecked, threatens to unravel 200 years of human progress. But it need not end this way. The author shows that building a net zero carbon economy is within human reach through focused innovation, riding down the experience curve and reaching scale in clean energy technologies and solutions. Mathew shows how we can solve climate change and air pollution whilst driving development in the poorest parts of the world, and without compromise for those already accustomed to the highest quality of life. Hampshire-Waugh lays out the economic, technological, social and political considerations, showing that even with a global population growing to at least 10 billion, we can achieve greater human progress and prosperity with much lower energy consumption, at a much lower cost, through a net-zero transition. Our efforts to scale up and invest in clean energy technologies over the next 20 years will determine life on Earth for the next hundred.

Mathew shares his personal journey to net-zero and the changes he and his family have made to reduce their personal carbon emissions without any compromises to lifestyle. Showing that together we can shape the future and empower change.” – Geetu Sharma, Founder of AlphasFuture LLC, a sustainability focused investment business.

Dr Mathew Hampshire-Waugh has spent the last decade working as an equity analyst at a global investment bank. He has worked with the top executives of many multi-billion-dollar companies and built relationships with many of the world’s largest investment managers. Mathew’s work centred on forecasting technology trends, financial performance, and the intrinsic value of companies involved in markets including renewable energy, electric cars, battery technology, and biofuels. Prior to his career in the banking industry, the author gained his doctorate in materials chemistry from University College London, where he worked on novel coatings and nano-materials for use in energy saving glazing and solar panel design. During his doctorate Mathew registered a patent for an efficiency enhancing coating for solar modules, published numerous scientific papers, and engaged in public speaking, consultancy, and media outreach.