Storytelling is a vital skill to have when talking about climate change. In this episode podcst host, Peterson Toscano, introduces you to Aaron Thier, a master storyteller. In his book Mr. Eternity, novelist Aaron Thier takes readers on a 1,000 year odyssey. The main character calls himself Daniel Defoe. We never learn his real name. Old Dan can't seem to die. Five different narrators in five different periods from 1500 to 2500 bump into this traveler. The book is brilliant, hilarious, deeply moving, weird. It is essential reading for climate advocates. Learn why Aaron wrote the book and the challenges novelists face when telling climate stories. Aaron also reads extended excerpts from the book. 

Art House

Joining us in the Art House is Clara Fang. Clara is a writer, environmentalist, and a photographer currently based in Detroit, Michigan. She is also the higher education liaison at Citizen’s Climate Lobby.  

Her poems have been published in numerous journals. She has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. She won The Lyric poetry contest, and was a finalist for the Benjamin Saltman Poetry Award.  Clara was born in Shanghai, China and immigrated to the United States when she was nine years old. She reads the poem, Love in the Time of Climate Change. 

Puzzler

We feature two excellent answers to Crusty Ole Charlie's complaint that we can't "play nice" when dealing with business and government. 

New Puzzler Question

Believe it or not many people are not all that concerned about animal extinction or the plight of future generations. For them there needs to be another climate hook--one that is closer to home. So here is your question: Besides the welfare of animal species and future generations, why are you passionate about climate change?

Send Peterson your answers. Leave your name, contact info, and where you are from.

Get back to him by April, 15, 2017. You can email your answers to [email protected] or  leave a voicemail of 3 minutes or less at 570.483.8194. (+1 if calling from outside the USA.) 

Dig Deeper

Heard novelists Aaron Thier and Amitav Ghosh speak abou the challenges of climate fiction -- Guardian Books Podcast

Read Rebecca Evanhoe's interivew with Aaron Thier -- The Drowned Coast on Burrow Press

Read more climate-themed poetry -- Keep it in the Ground in The Guardian

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