Exeter alumnus Dr Akshat Rathi releases book on Climate Capitalism
Exeter alumnus Dr Akshat Rathi (2008, Organic Chemistry), Senior Climate reporter at Bloomberg News, has recently published Climate Capitalism: Winning the Global Race to Zero Emissions.
After completing his DPhil in Organic Chemistry at Exeter College, Akshat pursued a career in journalism, working with Quartz before joining Bloomberg News. His work centred largely around climate-related issues and has been cited by major media outlets, including the Financial Times, The Guardian, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, and the New York Times.
Climate Capitalism explores a change in thinking in the battle against climate change. Akshat provides a nuanced analysis of capitalism’s successes and failures in responding to climate change, focusing on the endeavours that have propelled the development of safer and cleaner technologies, making them environmentally friendly and profitable.
In an interview with The Guardian, Akshat emphasised the role of capitalism in addressing climate change. He remarked, “Capitalism cannot be the solution to climate change, but there can be a form of capitalism that we have seen working – in many different parts of the world, in big and small ways.” Akshat underscores the importance of developing and scaling clean energy technology in developing countries to set an example for wider global adoption.
The book has received several accolades including being shortlisted for the Business Category of the Kalinga Literary Festival Award 2023, the winner of which will be announced in February 2024. Similarly, the book has been reviewed favourably by renowned figures like journalist David Wallace-Wells and businessman and philanthropist Bill Gates – who called it “an important read for anyone in need of optimism about our ability to build a clean energy future.”
During a recent appearance on BBC Radio 4’s Start the Week, Akshat offered insights into how global events like the Conference of the Parties (COP) and the World Economic Forum can serve as catalysts for sustainability, despite the legitimate concerns about the greenhouse gas emissions associated with these gatherings. He also emphasised the central message of his book which is the need for a comprehensive and global approach to address climate change. He advocates for a macro understanding that considers not only environmental concerns but also intertwines economic development and geopolitical security into the fabric of sustainable solutions.
We congratulate Dr Akshat Rathi on his book and eagerly anticipate the valuable contributions he continues to make to shaping narratives around climate change.
Click here to order a copy of Climate Capitalism.
