Richard Delevan sits down with Solitaire Townsend, author of The Solutionists: How Businesses Can Fix the Future and the co-founder of the sustainability consultancy Futerra, who brings a refreshing mix of humor, realism, and optimism to the serious topic of climate change. Solitaire, a self-described "possibilist," discusses the power of positive storytelling, the dangers of fatalism, and the imaginative solutions necessary for a sustainable future. Whether taking on the advertising and PR agencies working for the oil and gas industry, or tackling the dangers of fatalism, Solitaire's insights are a beacon of light for those feeling overwhelmed by facing the climate crisis.
We Cover
The importance of "possibilism" in the climate change narrative and the need for new kinds of storytelling.
The danger of embracing a fatalistic viewpoint and the power of positive narratives.
Practical recommendations for individuals and communities to foster hope and take action.
Episode Highlights
[00:03:00] Introduction: Solitaire Townsend's background and journey into environmental activism.
[00:08:00] Optimism vs. Possibilism: Why embracing possibilism is crucial in the fight against climate change.
[00:15:30] Storytelling as a Tool: The role of storytelling in shaping our environmental future.
[00:22:45] Confronting Pessimism: Addressing the views of Just Collapse thinkers and the importance of maintaining hope.
[00:30:00] The Danger of Fatalism: Discussing the "earned dystopia" narrative and its implications for climate action.
[00:37:20] Practical Recommendations: Solitaire's advice for individuals seeking to contribute to positive change.
[00:45:00] Closing Thoughts: The importance of imagination and creative solutions in environmental activism.
Solitaire’s Catalysts
The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle Systems of Oppression to Protect People and Planet by Leah Thomas
What If We Get It Right? by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson (pre-order)
A Psalm for the Wild-Built, by Becky Chalmers
Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson
Related Links
Five Big Sustainability Prophesies For 2024 (Forbes) by Solitaire Townsend
Dr. Tadzio Mueller, Just Collapse
The Solutionists: How Businesses Can Fix the Future by Solitaire Townsend
Stories to Save the World, by Futerra
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