The book is a unique compendium and handbook that identifies and describes many specific, tangible climate change actions taken by leaders in various sectors. It is partly a casebook of constructive, innovative examples, designed to inspire and inform further actions.

There are three principal categories of cases in the book: technologies, government policies, and business practices. The chapters are not merely lists of individuals or organizations; they are assessments of actions with diverse origins and a variety of specific objectives. Such actions have been taken in diverse sectors, including electric power generation and distribution, transportation, cement, steel, petrochemicals, construction and operation of buildings, agriculture, insurance, and banking. Actions from countries in all regions of the world are included, as are governmental actions at all levels from local to global.

The book serves as a key reference for students and experts in many fields, aiming to inspire leaders to learn from the successful actions others have taken to limit and mitigate the effects of climate change.