Join Paul Hawken, a renowned environmentalist and author, as he explores the paradox of carbon—an essential life-giving element often blamed for climate change. He advocates for a narrative shift from fear to appreciation of nature, urging collective action against environmental challenges. Hawken shares personal stories of human connection, resilience during civil rights marches, and even a surreal encounter with a council of animals, emphasizing our intricate ties to all living beings and the importance of biodiversity.
Paul Hawken redefines carbon as an essential element for life, emphasizing its critical role in various ecosystems despite common misconceptions about its impact on climate change.
Hawken advocates for a shift from merely reducing emissions to actively reversing global warming through collaborative solutions sourced from global researchers.
The podcast highlights the importance of using language that fosters connection with nature and encourages individual and community responsibility in tackling climate challenges.
Deep dives
The Nature of Carbon
Carbon is introduced as a miraculous and essential element for life on Earth, often mischaracterized as the enemy in the context of climate change. Paul Hawken emphasizes that without carbon, life as we know it would not exist, challenging the prevailing negative perceptions surrounding this element. His discussion sheds light on the critical role carbon plays in various ecosystems and its significance in maintaining life. By reshaping our understanding of carbon, Hawken advocates for a more nuanced perspective on environmental issues.
Reversing Global Warming
Hawken reflects on his journey to author 'Drawdown,' highlighting the need to shift the focus from merely reducing carbon emissions to actively reversing global warming. He critiques the limitations of consensus science, asserting that the severity of climate issues is often understated. Through his collaborative approach, he gathered researchers worldwide to identify and model the most effective solutions for reversing climate change. This proactive stance underscores the importance of not only acknowledging the problems but also striving for comprehensive resolutions.
Language and Climate Narratives
The podcast discusses the significant impact language has on our perception of climate issues, with Hawken pointing out that terms like 'fighting climate change' create an adversarial relationship with the environment. He argues for a shift towards language that fosters connection and understanding with nature, viewing the climate not as an adversary but as an integral part of our existence. This change in narrative can alter how individuals perceive and engage with environmental challenges. By promoting a more harmonious dialogue, Hawken believes we can inspire collaborative efforts toward sustainability.
Community Engagement and Individual Action
Hawken emphasizes the power of local communities in addressing climate challenges, suggesting that change begins with individual awareness and action rather than relying solely on large-scale solutions. He encourages individuals to connect with their local environments, get to know their neighbors, and engage in community-led restoration efforts. By cultivating strong local relationships and fostering collective action, individuals can contribute to meaningful change in their areas. This grassroots approach highlights the interconnectedness of individuals and their environments, advocating for a deeper sense of community responsibility.
The Role of Hope and Courage
In the dialog, Hawken discusses the complex relationship between hope and fear, arguing that traditional notions of hope often stem from fear of potential outcomes. He proposes that, instead of holding onto hope, individuals should cultivate courage and fearlessness to act decisively in the face of climate challenges. This shift in perspective allows for more authentic engagement with the issues at hand, moving beyond reactive emotions to proactive initiatives. By fostering courage, communities can better navigate the uncertainties ahead, driving change with resilience and determination.
Join us live for a journey into the world of carbon, the most versatile element on the planet. Your tour guide is New York Times bestselling author Paul Hawken.
Carbon is the only element that animates the entirety of the living world. Though comprising a tiny fraction of Earth’s composition, our planet is lifeless without it. Yet it is maligned as the driver of climate change, scorned as an errant element blamed for the possible demise of civilization.
In his new book Carbon, Paul Hawken looks at the flow of life through the lens of carbon. Embracing a panoramic view of carbon’s omnipresence, he explores how this ubiquitous and essential element extends into every aperture of existence and shapes the entire fabric of life. Hawken charts a course across our planetary history, guiding us into the realms of plants, animals, insects, fungi, food and farms to offer a new narrative for embracing carbon’s life-giving power and its possibilities for the future of human endeavor.
Hawken will illuminate the subtle connections between carbon and our collective human experience and ask us to see nature, carbon and ourselves as exquisitely intertwined—inseparably connected.
