Environmentalist Bill McKibben has called for participation in Sun Day on September 21, 2025, to accelerate the shift to renewable energy. In a recent podcast episode, he highlighted the rapid growth of solar and wind power amid political challenges. McKibben argues that renewables can reshape global energy and geopolitics.
Bill McKibben, a prominent author and activist with four decades of climate writing, appeared on the Sustainability In Your Ear podcast to discuss his latest book, Here Comes the Sun. The episode, originally aired on September 8, 2025, and republished on December 24, 2025, emphasizes the transformative potential of renewable energy at a critical moment.
McKibben points to impressive statistics: in 2024, renewables accounted for 92% of new global electricity generation and 96% in the United States. Solar and wind have emerged as the cheapest power sources in history, driving the fastest energy transition ever. However, he warns of political headwinds that could slow progress and jeopardize climate goals.
To counter this, McKibben is organizing Sun Day, a national day of action on September 21, 2025, aimed at elevating renewables beyond the 'alternative' label. 'The sun pleasantly delivers the energy for free over and over and over and over again,' he explains, underscoring the shift from fossil fuel scarcity to energy abundance.
As founder of 350.org and Third Act, McKibben notes broad support for solar power across political lines. Polls show conservatives value energy independence and self-reliance, while liberals focus on environmental benefits. He adds, 'Even humans are going to be hard pressed to figure out how to start a war over sunshine.'
The book Here Comes the Sun is available on Amazon, Powell’s Books, and local stores. More on Sun Day events is at Sunday.Earth, and McKibben’s work at BillMcKibben.com.