An insider’s look at the complex, inspiring and surprisingly entertaining world of international negotiations, technology and diplomacy relating to the carbon industry, environmental management and climate mitigation.

Carbon Play follows Robert Falls’s unique and extraordinary journey in the worlds of academia, politics and corporate “big energy.” With a career that began in marine biology and fisheries management, Robert became a respected environmental professional dealing with national energy and climate policies, frequently meeting with renowned thinkers such as Freeman Dyson, Arthur C. Clarke, David Suzuki, Patrick Moore and Al Gore in a quest to deal with the gaping chasms between climate science, political governance and global energy interests.

From his position at the crossroads of science, the energy industry, the environmental movement, government policy, and carbon trading, Robert Falls has written 15 entertaining and enlightening stories that will be enjoyed by those with an interest in the environment who seek fresh perspectives and insights not normally found in books dealing with climate change or environmental issues.

Dr. Robert William Falls, Ph.D., R.P.Bio., co-founded ERA Ecosystem Restoration Associates Inc. in 2004 and served as its CEO from 2004 to 2011. Dr. Falls has a strong history in the field of climate change, developing and managing projects in China and domestically for corporate clients. He serves as chairman and a director at ERA Ecosystem Restoration Associates Inc. and Era Carbon Offsets Ltd., and is a senior adviser to the GLOBE Foundation of Canada. He founded and chaired the Greenhouse Emissions Management Consortium (Gemco), and the Sustainable Development Council for Canada's largest integrated gas company. Since 2004 he has been an adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia's Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability. Robert lives in North Vancouver, British Columbia.

Robert Falls' profile page

A delightful personal journey through the carbon landscape. Refreshingly easy to read though dealing with a monumental global issue.

Dr. John Wiebe, founder and chairman of The Globe Foundation

Have just reread your Salish Sea piece and I love it… it is perfect and beautifully written.

Dr. Jane Goodall, internationally renowned primate researcher and conservationist

Robert Falls has done well laying out his life as a veteran carbon explorer. I like the way he has combined science (explained in easy to understand language), autobiography (his life has not been boring), and some hopeful and practical solutions for mitigating, adapting and innovating towards a safer future. People like Robert, rather than the climate change deniers or hysterics, will help us limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Mike Harcourt, former mayor of Vancouver, former premier of British Columbia

Carbon Play is a sweeping chronicle of travels, cultures, science and technology unlike any other book on the climate crisis. Roberts Falls’s extensive explorations have taken him to the four corners of the earth, and from every different vantage point comes a useful nugget of information on oceans, forests, climate and the technological breakthroughs that make a post-carbon world within reach.

Elizabeth May, OC, MP for Saanich–Gulf Islands, Leader of the Green Party of Canada

Carbon Play is an important, timely and very readable contribution to the dialogue around carbon markets and climate change. The book does not profess to be a comprehensive review of the literature relating to carbon markets and that’s to its advantage. Rather, the author successfully meshes science with experiences and accounts from his own personal journey. Such an approach proves to be very successful in making this key and complex issue more accessible to a new and broader audience.

Mark Angelo, founder of World Rivers Day