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The element we’ve cast as our planet’s antagonist holds a secret: carbon is the singular force connecting stars, soil, and every living creature.
Far from being merely pollution, it orchestrates the very choreography of existence.
The regenerative intelligence of mycelial networks, ancient forests, and living soils manages carbon with a sophistication our technology has yet to replicate.
My guest today is Paul Hawken, one of the great elder statesmen of environmentalism, an author, lecturer, and entrepreneur who has distinguished himself as a leading voice for the regeneration of nature and humanity. Far more than an activist, Paul provides invaluable insight into existing climate solutions that lack only the political capital to reach their full potential. His latest book, Carbon: The Book of Life, is the centerpiece of our discussion today (building on our previous conversations in episodes 473 and 627), offering an expansive perspective on life itself, suggesting that our environmental salvation lies in humility, deeper appreciation for nature’s complexities, and cultivating a symbiotic relationship with all living things.
“To deny the struggle is to deny the very thing that allows us to triumph in the end.”
– PAUL HAWKEN
Today, we discuss:
- Carbon’s Cosmic Origins in Dying Stars
- The Sentient Intelligence of Plants & Trees
- Mycelial Networks: Earth’s Hidden Communication System
- Beyond Climate Solutionism
- Indigenous Wisdom & Ecological Language
- The Parliament of Earthlings
For those who prefer a visual experience, the conversation is available on YouTube. As always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Peace + Plants,
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- Connect with Paul: Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
- Book: Carbon: The Book of Life
- Book: Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation
- Project Regeneration: About | Instagram
- Bioneers: The Environment As A Human Right
- Forbes: 3 Things To Learn About The Process Of Systems Change
- The Tyee: The Most Important Climate Action You Can Take? We Asked Paul Hawken
- The New York Times: A Smorgasbord of Solutions for Global Warming
- The New York Times: Read These Three Books About Global Warming
- The New York Times: How Much Do You Know About Solving Global Warming?
- Forbes: This List Of Climate Change Solutions May Be Key To Reversing It
- HBO: Paul Hawken: Project Drawdown | Real Time with Bill Maher
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Thank The Team: I do not do this alone. Send your love to Jason Camiolo for audio engineering, production, show notes and interstitial music; with additional audio engineering by Cale Curtis and additional music by Moby; Dan Drake & Morgan McCrae for video, & editing; graphics by graphics by Alejandro Ribadeneira & Bryan Lawrence; portraits by Davy Greenberg; copywriting by Ben Pryor; and theme music by Tyler Piatt, Trapper Piatt & Hari Mathis.
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