PAUL HAWKEN: We’re ending the climate crisis in one generation
Nov 14, 2023
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Paul Hawken, founder of Project Drawdown, discusses the failure of climate change communication and the power of community in addressing the climate crisis. He emphasizes the importance of regenerative agriculture, tackling food waste, and finding joy in solutions. The speaker also explores the role of hope and interconnectedness in fixing the planet and questions the sustainability of infinite growth.
Empowering women and girls is one of the most effective solutions to reduce carbon emissions.
Reducing food waste throughout the entire food chain is crucial in combating climate change.
Regenerative practices, focusing on soil health and ecosystem restoration, can create a harmonious future for the environment and human well-being.
Deep dives
Reconnecting with the Default Mode of Life
Regeneration is the default mode of life, and it is important for us to align ourselves with it. This not only benefits our own health but also the health of the environment. The current system is not effective, and it is crucial to understand the importance of working in harmony with nature.
Project Drawdown and the Top Solutions to Reduce Carbon Emissions
Project Drawdown, a book and digital program, listed the top 100 solutions to reduce carbon emissions. Surprisingly, one of the most effective solutions is empowering women and girls, which has a greater impact than solar energy. Another significant solution highlighted in the book is reducing food waste throughout the entire food chain, which is ranked among the top solutions. These solutions provide actionable steps that individuals can take to combat climate change.
The Shift from Drawdown to Regeneration
Regeneration, the sequel to Project Drawdown, presents a broader perspective on addressing the climate crisis. It emphasizes the need for a collective effort to nurture and restore life on Earth. Regeneration focuses on engaging all levels of agency and creating a shift towards regenerative practices that benefit not only the environment but also human well-being. By connecting with nature and focusing on regenerative actions, we can create a better future for ourselves and future generations.
The Importance of Regeneration
Regeneration is described as the default mode of life and a solution to the global challenges we face. It involves coming home to who we are and caring for the world. By honoring life and engaging in regenerative practices such as regenerative agriculture, which focuses on soil health and ecosystem restoration, we can create a more harmonious and sustaining future. Regeneration not only benefits the environment but also promotes human health, mental well-being, and a sense of purpose. It invites us to live in alignment with nature and work together in interconnected communities.
Shifting Perspective and Taking Action
The podcast episode explores the need to shift our perspective and redefine hope in the face of the climate crisis. Rather than hoping for a fix to the planet, we are encouraged to focus on fixing ourselves and our systems. This includes making choices that create more life and enhance human well-being, rather than perpetuating destructive patterns. The episode highlights the power of communities in making a difference and emphasizes the importance of joyful and meaningful engagement with the natural world. Ultimately, the message is that we have the ability to take action and create positive change now, rather than waiting for external solutions or circumstances.
Paul Hawken (Project Drawdown founder) is the climate activist who, for decades, has shown us how we can *actually* make a difference. He’s been an activist since the 1960s (he was once seized by the KKK), is the most influential voice on corporate sustainability and created the legendary Project Drawdown, which calculated the top 100 actions that bring down CO2 (tl;dr: educating girls and tackling food waste top the list).
Paul's latest project Regeneration (a book and website) takes things even further and provides the world’s largest listing and network of climate solutions geared not at fixing the crisis but rebuilding our sense of connection to the planet.
In this chat, Paul and I talk honestly about why 98% of people are still not changing their behaviour even though we now know the facts AND we are now living IN climate change, whether “drawdown” is possible and how to be most effective as a climate activist in light of all this.
