Speed & Scale is John Doerr's practical and highly structured argument for tackling the global climate crisis through measurable goals, technological innovation, investment and coordinated action. Rather than simply describing the causes of climate change, Doerr focuses on the question of what needs to be done—and how quickly it needs to happen.

The central idea is that the climate problem is enormous, but it can be made more manageable by breaking it into specific objectives and measurable key results (OKRs). Doerr applies the goal-setting methodology he helped popularize in Silicon Valley to climate action, essentially treating decarbonization as a massive global project that requires clear targets, accountability and continuous measurement.

The book proposes a 10-step action plan aimed at achieving net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050. It looks at the major sectors responsible for emissions and examines technological, economic and political approaches for reducing their impact.

Among the major solutions are electrifying transportation, cleaning up industry, fixing the global food system, protecting nature and removing carbon from the atmosphere. Doerr also discusses how governments, businesses, entrepreneurs, scientists, investors and social movements can contribute to achieving these goals.