Quarterly Essay - Wires That Bind - Saul Griffiths

A compelling vision of green energy at a local level

In this inspiring essay, inventor, engineer and visionary Saul Griffith looks at the wires that bind us. He reveals the world that awaits if we make the most of Australia's energy future.

Griffith paints an inspiring yet practical picture of empowered local communities acting collectively when it comes to renewable energy, and benefiting financially. He considers both equity and security - an end to dependence on foreign oil, for instance. He explores the rejuvenation of regional Australia, as well as the rise of a new populist movement driven by Australian women. And he explodes once and for all the trees v. jobs binary.

This is an electrifying essay about building a better future.

Saul Griffith, Ph.D, is an Australian engineer and inventor. He's been a principal investigator on research projects for NASA, Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, the National Science Foundation and US Special Operations Command. He was awarded the MacArthur "Genius Grant" in 2007. His most recent book is The Big Switch- Australia's Electric Future.