by Susan Bauer-Wu
(Shambhala Publications)
ISBN: 9781645471400
When the Dalai Lama and Greta Thunberg spoke for the first time, millions of people took notice globally. The palpable sense of promise in their meeting drew its energy partly from the contrast of the two figures—one an embodiment of peace and patience, the other a rising symbol of the need for urgent action. Yet Greta and the Dalai Lama agree wholeheartedly that climatic threats require the attention of everyone. “It is encouraging to see how you have opened the eyes of the world to the urgency to protect our planet, our only home,” the Dalai Lama wrote to Greta before their meeting.
Inspired by these two great figures, this book starts a world-changing conversation with cutting-edge climate scientists and leaders. Structured as a four-part journey, readers embark on overcoming climate anxiety—from knowledge through capacity, and will to action. It clearly explains the science behind climate change; explores Earth’s ability to heal and humankind’s ability to change; examines the heartbreak of climate devastation and the wonderment of hope; and provides actionable steps to effect positive change. The goal: to offer hope as well as specific tools to create a future that next generations will love. This highly readable book will help you:
- Use interdependence as a lens for understanding both the climate crisis and its solution
- Clarify why feedback loops leave us no time to wait on climate action
- Metabolize climate anxiety, grief, or burnout into useful energy
- Develop your own practices for connecting to Earth and renewing hope
- Overcome common obstacles to speaking and acting clearly on behalf of the human and wild communities most affected by the climate crisis
