The Future is Now

In this book, Bob McDonald turns his focus to global energy sources, and shows how the global shutdowns during the pandemic may have been exactly what we needed to show us that a greener future is achievable.

This is not another "wake-up call," and not another plea to heed the climate science. This is an exploration of the incredible technologies that our species can use to get out of the mess we've made for ourselves. It is a work of immense optimism, to counteract the sense of doom that hangs over most discussions of the environment.

Many alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal have been available for decades but they alone will not be enough. Additional power will come from small nuclear reactors the size of an office desk, and space-based solar power satellites with enormous mirrors that can capture sunlight, convert it to microwaves, and beam it to the ground to light up entire cities. Energy will be captured from waves, tides, and hydrogen. Vehicles will no longer have tailpipes that emit smog particles. Food will be sourced locally.

Green technology is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy,and will only continue to skyrocket as current products improve their performance and new products emerge. A new green age is upon uslet this book be your guide to the future. (FromPenguin Canada)

Bob McDonaldhas been the host of CBC Radio'sQuirks & Quarkssince 1992. He is a regular science commentator on CBC'sNews Networkand a science correspondent for CBC TV'sThe National. His bookMeasuring the Earth with a Stickwas shortlisted for the Canadian Science Writers Association Book Award.

Interviews with Bob McDonald

Quirks and Quarks16:25A $50 million dollar ticket bought a Canadian millionaire the dream of space travel

CBC senior science reporter Nicole Mortillaro talks to Bob McDonald about the recent space voyage of businessman Mark Pathy. Pathy was part of the first completely private mission to the International Space Station, and wealthy tourists like him could be a big part of the future of humans in space.

Bob McDonald breaks down the James Webb telescope images

2 years ago

Duration 6:12

Quirks & Quarks host and space expert Bob McDonald walks The Nationals Andrew Chang through the first images released by NASA from the new and powerful James Webb Space Telescope, offering the deepest view of the universe humans have ever seen.