Jonathan Essex (Green Councillor in Surrey), John Foster (Lancaster University), Helena Paul (ECoNexus), Rupert Read (University of East Anglia), Prashant Vaze (Climate Bonds Initiative) and Ulrich Volz (SOAS)

We are used to hearing that the climate crisis is serious, but still tractable if we start acting on it soon. The reality is different. Things are going to get much worse, for a long time, whatever we now do – which hardly anyone wants to admit.This book from the Green House collective offers climate honesty. The time for focusing primarily on mitigation is over. We now need to adapt to the dark reality of climate breakdown. But this means a deep reframing of our entire way of life. The book explores how transformative adaptation might enable us to confront escalating climate chaos while not giving up hope.Facing up to Climate Reality is a book for those brave enough to abandon the illusion of continuing normality, and embark on a harder, truer journey.

“This important new collection brings the trademark radicalism of Green House to the climate crisis. The authors set out an array of bold and hopeful ideas, consider how facing up to climate disasters can kindle new green shoots of community, and explore the psychology of climate communication. The book both pursues climate honesty rigorously and offers hope for the future.”— Caroline Lucas MP

Speakers are contributers to the book:

John Foster is a freelance writer and philosophy teacher, and an associate lecturer in the department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion at Lancaster University, UK.

Rupert Read is a Reader in the School of Politics, Philosophy, Language and Communication Studies at University of East Anglia.

Jonathan Essex is a chartered engineer and environmentalist. He combines working in international development with serving as a Green Councillor in Surrey.

Helena Paul has been working working on a range of environmental issues since 1988 including indigenous peoples’ land rights, tropical forests and geo-engineering. She runs the NGO ECoNexus.

Prashant Vaze writes fiction and non-fiction on climate issues. He was a senior civil servant and now works at the not-for-profit Climate Bonds Initiative.

Ulrich Volz is Head of Department of Economics and Founding Director of the SOAS Centre for Sustainable Finance at SOAS University of London.

Speakers: Pr Jonathan Essex (Green Councillor in Surrey), John Foster (Lancaster University), Helena Paul (ECoNexus), Rupert Read (University of East Anglia), Prashant Vaze (Climate Bonds Initiative) and Ulrich Volz (SOAS)

Released by: SOAS Economics Podcasts