582 - Joshua Wright (Documentarian: "Eden's Last Chance")
Sep 24, 2023
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Joshua Wright, an eco-conscious filmmaker, discusses dropping out of high school at 14 to make his documentary 'Eden's Last Chance'. They explore the urgency of the climate crisis, the Adani Carmichael coal mine, and the importance of shifting mindsets. They also touch on local communities, food, and the sacredness of natural areas. The podcast ends with a poetic reflection on embracing emotions and living authentically.
The podcast highlights the urgent need for saving forests and biodiversity amidst the destructive nature of industrial civilization.
The challenges faced by environmental activists, including arrests and legal crackdowns, are discussed, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and continued efforts to protect the environment.
The psychological impact of environmental activism and the search for hope and meaning amidst the environmental crisis are explored, encouraging individuals to connect with nature and communities in the fight for preservation.
The significance of taking action within local communities and ecosystems is emphasized, promoting small steps to contribute to saving species and building sustainable human communities.
Deep dives
The Urgency of Saving Forests and Biodiversity
The podcast episode discusses the urgency of saving forests and biodiversity. It highlights the destructive nature of industrial civilization and its impact on the planet, including the acceleration of species extinction and habitat loss. The speaker emphasizes the need for sustainable human communities and the preservation of old-growth forests and natural habitats. Despite the daunting challenges, the episode emphasizes the importance of environmental activism, even in the face of potential collapse, and highlights the positive impact individuals can make through their actions.
Challenges in Environmental Activism and Government Response
The podcast episode explores the challenges faced by environmental activists, particularly in the face of government and industry response. It highlights the arrests and legal crackdowns faced by activists, pointing out the disparity in treatment compared to more severe crimes. The episode discusses specific examples, such as the blockades at Fairy Creek and the heavy-handed tactics employed by law enforcement. Despite these challenges, the episode underscores the importance of perseverance and continued efforts to protect the environment.
Finding Hope and Meaning in Environmental Activism
The podcast episode delves into the psychological impact of environmental activism and the search for hope and meaning amidst the environmental crisis. The speaker shares personal experiences, highlighting the emotional toll of witnessing the destruction of ecosystems and valuable species. However, the episode emphasizes the importance of fighting for what is left and making a measurable difference, even if the overall situation seems dire. It encourages individuals to connect with nature and communities, finding purpose in fighting for environmental preservation.
Taking Action Locally and Making a Difference
The podcast episode emphasizes the significance of taking action and making a difference through local efforts. It encourages individuals to focus on their own communities and ecosystems, rather than feeling overwhelmed by global environmental challenges. The episode suggests various ways to get involved, such as volunteering with environmental groups, supporting local initiatives, or protecting and preserving local forests and habitats. It highlights that even small steps can contribute to saving species, protecting natural areas, and building sustainable human communities.
Recognizing the Connection with the Earth
The podcast episode emphasizes the importance of realizing our connection with the earth. Treating the earth as a living entity and recognizing the sentience of all creatures on it can lead to a better world. Whether one believes it literally or figuratively, understanding the importance of the environment can bring positive changes.
Taking Action and Creating Resilient Communities
The podcast highlights the need for individuals to take action in the face of environmental challenges. It suggests reducing consumption, allocating a portion of income to support activism or environmental causes, and spending time learning about local environmental issues. Additionally, it discusses the importance of developing resilient communities that prioritize sustainability and promote self-sufficiency.
Being Active and Overcoming Bystander Effect
The podcast emphasizes the importance of not being a bystander in the face of environmental degradation. It encourages individuals to go out, witness the destruction happening to the natural world, and actively engage in protecting it. By being aware of the devastation and taking action, people can break the bystander effect and make a positive impact.
Joshua Wright grew up living in Africa and Asia. While still a kid, he became an environmentalist watching the timber industry clear-cut around his family home in Washington State. Recognizing the urgency of what was happening around him, he dropped out of high school at 14 years old to make Eden's Last Chance.
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