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CARBON: The Book of Life with PAUL HAWKEN

Mar 5, 2025

Paul Hawken, a celebrated environmentalist and author, shares insights from his latest book, exploring carbon's vital role in life and interconnection. He emphasizes the urgent need for regeneration and the importance of community in addressing climate crises. Hawken discusses how Buddhist principles inform corporate responsibility during challenging times and advocates for a mindset shift to combat environmental issues. The conversation highlights the often-overlooked beauty of moths and calls for a more compassionate relationship with nature.

57:10

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Episode guests

Paul Hawken

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Quick takeaways

Carbon is the fundamental element that connects all living beings, emphasizing the importance of understanding and appreciating interconnectedness in life.

A shift in the climate change narrative from fear to regeneration can inspire meaningful ecological action through nurturing life and fostering connections.

Embracing curiosity and creativity in younger generations is essential to promote innovative, environmentally respectful solutions for a sustainable future.

Deep dives

The Significance of Carbon in Life

Carbon is fundamental to all living organisms, with each cell containing trillions of carbon molecules that animate life. This flow of carbon is essential for the plants, animals, and humans that constitute the fabric of life on Earth. The interconnectedness of carbon within our bodies and the environment is a reminder of the shared essence of all life, making it crucial to appreciate rather than objectify this element. Understanding carbon not only enhances our appreciation of life but informs our actions toward environmental stewardship.

Intro

2min

The Vital Role of Carbon in Life

26min

Embracing Interconnectedness

16min

Moths, Public Policy, and a Reverence for Life

2min

Exploring Buddhism and Corporate Responsibility in Challenging Times

5min

Embracing Curiosity and Sustainability

6min

“We have 1.2 trillion carbon molecules in every cell. We have around 30 trillion cells, and that’s us. So carbon is really a flow that animates everything we love, enjoy, eat, and all plant life, all sea life—everything that's alive on this planet—is animated by the flow of carbon. “

Paul Hawken is a renowned environmentalist, entrepreneur, author, and activist committed to sustainability and transforming the business-environment relationship. He starts ecological businesses, writes about nature and commerce, and consults with heads of state and CEOs on climactic economic and ecological regeneration. He has appeared on the Today Show, Talk of the Nation, Real Time with Bill Maher, CBS This Morning, and his work has been profiled or featured in hundreds of articles, including The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Newsweek, Washington Post, Forbes, and Businessweek. He has written nine books, including six national and New York Times bestsellers. He's published in 30 languages, and his books are available in over 90 countries. He is the founder of Project Drawdown and Project Regeneration, which is creating the world's largest, most complete listing and network of solutions to the climate crisis. His latest book is Carbon: The Book of Life.

“We want to see the situation we're in as that, as a flow. Where are the flows coming from, and why are we interfering with them? Why are we crushing them? Why are we killing them? For sure. But also, we need to see the wonder, the awe, the astonishment of life itself and to have that sensibility as the overriding narrative of how we act in the world, how we live, and how we talk to each other. Unless we change the conversation about climate into something that's a conversation about more life—better conditions for people in terms of social justice, restoring so much of what we've lost—then we won’t get anywhere.”

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