This episode of Big Blend Radio features renowned author, climate activist, and clean energy expert Bill McKibben, who talks about the transformative power of solar energy and his new book HERE COMES THE SUN: A Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization (W.W. Norton & Company; Aug. 19, 2025).

McKibben explains why solar power is now the cheapest energy on the planet and no longer an “alternative” but the mainstream solution for businesses, communities, and households. As he puts it, “We’re used to thinking of solar energy as the Whole Foods of energy—nice, but pricey. The reality is that it’s now the Costco of energy: cheap, available in bulk, and on the shelf.”

From the economic advantages of electrification and job creation, to the health impacts of moving away from fossil fuels, McKibben highlights how clean energy is reshaping policy, industry, and everyday life. He also shares insights on the upcoming Sun Day (Sept. 21, 2025), a nationwide grassroots mobilization he’s organizing alongside Denis Hayes (the original Earth Day founder) to raise awareness about the economic and community benefits of solar.

More: