No More Illusions: McKibben, McLaren & Read on the Climate Truth We Can’t Ignore

In this episode of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations, John Izzo hosts Bill McKibben, Brian McLaren, and Dr. Rupert Read for a raw and urgent dialogue on the climate crossroads. Together, they confront illusions, speak truth we can’t ignore, and explore what agency we still hold in shaping our future. Perfect for listeners seeking depth, courage, and clarity in the climate conversation.

Summary

In this powerful conversation, recorded live at The Climate Crossroads, our panel explores the defining moment humanity now faces. Bill McKibben highlights the accelerating physical realities of a warming planet — and the political forces working to slow progress. Dr. Rupert Read explains why adaptation, resilience, and community transformation may be our most underused leverage points. Brian McLaren examines the spiritual and psychological roots of the crisis, and why outdated worldviews continue to hold us back.

Together, they illuminate how technological change, moral courage, and community-scale action must converge to create a livable future. They invite us to move beyond false optimism and paralyzing doom — toward grounded, regenerative action rooted in compassion, clarity, and connection.

This is the first in a series of Crossroads Conversations exploring how elders, activists, and communities can rise to meet the challenges of our time.

 

👥 Guest Mini-Bios

Bill McKibben

Bill McKibben is a pioneering climate author, journalist, and activist who wrote the first major book on global warming, The End of Nature. He is the founder of 350.org and Third Act, mobilizing older Americans for climate action. His latest book, Here Comes the Sun, explores the global revolution in solar energy.
🔗 https://thirdact.org
🔗 https://350.org
🔗 “Here Comes the Sun” (2024)

 

Brian D. McLaren

Brian McLaren is a former pastor, public theologian, and bestselling author whose work explores spirituality, social transformation, and climate consciousness. His recent book, Life After Doom, examines our spiritual response to the ecological crisis and the path to deeper courage and connection.
🔗 https://brianmclaren.net
🔗 “Life After Doom” (2023)

 

Dr. Rupert Read

Dr. Rupert Read is a philosopher, author, and co-founder of the Climate Majority Project, focused on mobilizing broad societal engagement in climate adaptation. He served as a prominent spokesperson and strategic voice for Extinction Rebellion, helping shape its early messaging and global impact. His work, including Why Climate Breakdown Matters and Transformative Adaptation, calls for a profound shift in how communities prepare for a rapidly changing world.
🔗 https://rupertread.net
🔗 https://climatemajorityproject.com
🔗 “The Climate Majority Project” (2024)
🔗 “Transformative Adaptation” (2024)

 

🙏 Sponsor Acknowledgment

This episode is brought to you by the Elders Action Network (EAN) and Elders Climate Action (ECA) — two organizations mobilizing elders across the world to stand for democracy, climate justice, and a regenerative future.
🌐 https://eldersaction.org
🌐 https://eldersclimateaction.org

 

📣 Audience Call to Action (YouTube & Podcast)

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