Bill McKibben, co-founder of 350.org and founder of Third Act, has cautioned that the U.S. risks becoming a destination where tourists come to observe antiquated energy practices. This concern arises as nations like China surge ahead in renewable energy technology.

McKibben highlighted a recent report by ember, a clean energy tech research group, which indicates that China is “creating the conditions for a decline in fossil fuel use” through its leadership in solar panel and wind turbine production. He contrasts this with another report confirming the previous administration’s opposition to renewable energy, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions.

McKibben noted the irony of the U.S. possibly falling behind, given its history of innovation in renewable energy.”The solar cell was invented 20 miles away, in Edison, New Jersey,” he stated. “The first industrial wind turbine was 30 miles south of my house in Vermont in the 1940s. And yet we’re just handing it all to China in order to appease the oil industry.”

Despite federal setbacks, McKibben pointed to progress in some states. “TEXAS is now putting up clean energy faster than California, faster than any place in this country,” he said.He noted that attempts by the oil industry to hinder renewable energy advancement in Texas were met with resistance from local communities who rely on renewable energy projects for property taxes and school funding.

McKibben is advocating for local and state-level policy changes to promote solar power,noting the disproportionately high costs of solar panel installation in the U.S. compared to other countries. He is promoting Sun Day on September 21st as a day of action to push for these changes.

The Promise of Decentralized Energy

McKibben sees the shift to clean energy as more than just an environmental imperative. He believes it could fundamentally alter geopolitics by decentralizing energy production. “Think about what this show and this world would have been like for the last few decades if oil was of trivial value on this planet, how many wars and coups and assassination attempts would have been averted,” he mused.

Humans are, you know, altogether too good at starting wars, but figuring out how to start one over sunshine will be a trick.

He also addressed concerns about the potential for energy companies to monopolize access to solar energy. “Even if they switch over, which I don’t think they will, I’m afraid, all they can do…is build the solar panels. But once you’ve built the solar panels, the sun delivers the energy for free every morning when it rises above the horizon.”

Local Action as a Model for Change

McKibben praised local leaders like Zohran Mamdani and Michelle Wu for their innovative approaches to promoting renewable energy. He cited the example of “balcony solar” installations in Europe, where apartment dwellers can easily install solar panels on their balconies. He hopes to see similar initiatives implemented in the U.S.

mckibben is currently on a book tour promoting his new book, Here Comes the Sun: A Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization. He is also organizing a national mobilization for September 21st, the fall equinox, called Sun day 2025, celebrating solar and wind power.