109. Turning Deserts into Forests and Finding Hope in Restoration with James Godfrey-Faussett

Today’s episode is such a special one. I’m joined by James Godfrey-Faussett, a restoration ecologist and founder of the Healing Earth Project, who has spent over two decades bringing degraded land back to life — from city forests to desert landscapes.

James shares what he’s learned from observing nature: that restoration doesn’t have to be complicated, that the Earth already knows how to heal if we give her the chance, and that slowing down might actually be the most powerful climate action we can take. He explains why observation is the first step to healing, how microbiology and fungi are the hidden engines of restoration, and why simplicity and community may be our greatest tools in the age of technology.

This episode is a beautiful reminder that optimism isn’t naive — it’s rooted in what nature shows us every day: resilience, patience, and the possibility of renewal.

So find a quiet spot, take a deep breath, and join us for this conversation on healing the Earth. And it starts, quite fittingly, by listening.

Follow + Connect with James on LinkedIn: James Godfrey-Faussett

Website: www.heychangepodcast.com

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Host: https://www.instagram.com/annetheresegennari/

Hosted by The Climate Optimist: https://www.theclimateoptimist.com/

Music produced by Jackson Whalan

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