Reasons to be cheerful: a full switch to low-carbon energy is in sight

Climate change optimism is justified - a complete transition from carbon to solar and wind power looks practical and affordable within a generation

My first book on climate change was published 10 years ago. I looked at how responsible individuals could choose to run their lives to cut their carbon footprint.

Inevitably minimising your carbon footprint meant making some uncomfortable choices - stopping eating meat, for example, or giving up flying. Hair-shirtism, in short. In 2009, I advised individuals on how they could cut their carbon emissions by 10%.