Bill McKibben is a past Wanderlust presenter. For more information about the 2016 line-up and to buy tickets, click here.
“The most important thing an individual can do, is not be an individual.”
When asked how we, as a society, can prevent climate change, Bill McKibben is clear on one thing: We can’t go at it alone.
McKibben is an acclaimed American environmentalist, author, and journalist. McKibben is a passionate advocate on the impact of global warming, and in 2014 was awarded the Right Livelihood Prize, sometimes called the ‘alternative Nobel.’ He’s written over a dozen books, ranging in topic from climate change to communities to family.
McKibben is a founder of 350.org, which is the first globally reaching, grassroots effort climate change movement. The goal of 350.org is to”hold our leaders accountable to the realities of science and the principles of justice.”
To date, 350.org has organized over twenty thousand rallies in more than 188 countries. 350.org is committed to climate safety and justice for the planet and its citizens. Read more about their mission here.
As citizens, what is the most important thing we can do to help heal the planet? McKibben tells us that while it’s important to take steps such as choosing environmentally friendly energy and hybrid vehicles (or bicycles!), these things aren’t enough:
“The most important thing you can do, is join with your neighbors and organize. The second most important thing you can do, is join with your neighbors and organize. We need you to organize.”
McKibben spoke with Wanderlust on the implications of climate change in the video above. He shares his thoughts with us below:
“Much has happened since the sweet summer day I recorded this video. Some of it good: President Obama rejected the Keystone Pipeline, and many nations came together in Paris to sign a first accord about climate change.
Some of it, sadly, not so good: for instance, the accord those nations signed in Paris heads us toward a world six degrees warmer, which is not a fit place for the civilizations we’re used to. And we’ve gotten a small taste of what that world might feel like as we’ve endured the hottest year yet measured on this planet. Christmas Eve in Vermont was 68 degrees, about the same temperature as the day I came to Wanderlust in mid-summer. The North Pole, that day, was above freezing.
All of it serves to highlight the need for a movement growing ever bigger, ever more supple, ever more united. It’s a joy to count many of you in that movement.”
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Filmed by Circus Picnic
Edited by Mitch Gerbus
Accompanying text by Kristin Diversi