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This brief but information-packed volume begins with a business proposition that challenges the traditional extraction-centered view of capitalism and instead proposes creating an Oceans and Deserts Stock Exchange (ODSE). The core strategy is building fjords and salt marshes in the world's salt basins and desert regions. The volume is, in some respects, a geopolitical statement that focuses on the complexities of climate change and the melding of green energy policies and national security.The author builds a complicated but compelling argument in eight chapters for replacing existing "carbon credit" markets with an "Ocean Levels Reduction Option" (OLRO). The author believes carbon credits will ultimately prove to be worthless and have no impact on climate change. He instead proposes that an ODSE be structured like existing stock and commodity exchanges around the world.
The narrative presents the chapter content articulately, succinctly, and with sufficient detail to support readers' understanding of the proposed concepts. This current work doesn't explain in depth how such an organization would operate, though another of Matthew's books, Building Fjords in the World's Great Deserts, explains his multi-tiered geoengineering plan in greater detail. One difference between Matthew's vision and current real-world environmental restoration is the current emphasis on conservation and environmental protection, and the restoration of natural habitats, vs massive ecological restructuring with the possible risk of unforeseen consequences. Ultimately, this speculative project is truly fascinating, with many positive points for readers to consider. The shorter format makes it a good read for busy armchair scientists and economists.