Together, We Are a Climate Citizenry

trovegreenprovisio
Feb 28
3 min read

Updated: May 5

"Together, we are a climate citizenry... For this is noble and necessary work, and it is impossible to do it alone." - Kate Knuth

This book is one of the most relatable and important reads I have encountered in the past year. It resonated with me and connected in ways that much climate writing has not. Perhaps it arrived at a moment when I needed to hear its message. Maybe it was due to the amplification of diverse voices in the collection, all articulating different perspectives on the same theme. The strong celebration of joy that women bring to climate crisis solutions also struck a chord. For the first time, I felt less alone in my thoughts and connections.

The collection comprises essays by women involved in various areas of climate activism. It is interspersed with poems and illustrations that worked their magic on me. The structure of the anthology—root, advocate, reframe, reshape, persist, feel, nourish, and rise—created a sense of forward momentum. Even when retracing steps to understand past mistakes, the path feels vibrant. Personally, the writing styles, language, and idea connections deeply aligned with my thinking. If that reflects a feminist agenda, then so be it. The book embraces motherhood as more than just a life choice; it is a powerful force for addressing the climate crisis. This perspective promotes a circular and life-sustaining way of thinking rather than a competitive and extractive model.

Impactful Contributions from the Collection

Here are a few contributions that left a lasting impact on me.

A Green New Deal for All of Us - Rhiana Gunn-Wright

"Progress came with a price, and the price was us."

This chapter provides an excellent summary of the importance of advocacy. It outlines what changes need to be made, who should be accountable, and how climate action relates to both the economy and social justice. Admittedly, the chapter may feel challenging in light of the current national regression from the progress that was once outlined here. Nevertheless, the clarity of the message helps refocus our efforts on holding those in power accountable.

Wakanda Doesn't Have Suburbs - Kendra Pierre-Louis

"We are what we pretend to be, so we must be very careful what we pretend to be." - Kurt Vonnegut

This piece was a surprisingly powerful exploration. As a movie aficionado, I appreciated its inclusion, as cultural narratives are essential for societal change. As discussed in The Great Derangement and The Ministry for the Future, the stories we tell shape our worldview. Often, media depicts climate collapse as inevitable, suggesting it is ingrained in human nature to destroy. Kendra Pierre-Louis reflects on these narratives and proposes a hopeful transformation. She analyzes how Wakanda is portrayed in film as a community that thrives harmoniously with nature while embracing technology. This challenges the conventional narrative by highlighting that an advanced society can coexist with the environment.

For more about this see here

Solutions Underfoot - Jane Zelikova

"Without Earth's exceedingly thin layer of soil, humanity as we know it would not exist."

After reading various works on climate—both its causes and potential solutions—I am always eager to encounter fresh insights that connect previous knowledge. Jane Zelikova's essay focuses on soil—an often overlooked but crucial element of our ecosystem.

I learned valuable information about the role soil plays in carbon capture and how agricultural practices have diminished this vital resource. Ultimately, this chapter reinforces the critical notion of interconnectedness. Nature functions in harmony, and we must respect that balance to promote a stable planet.

Conclusion: Moving Forward Together

In closing, I want to highlight Geneen Maire Haugen, who perfectly articulates the feelings I share at this moment. Perspective matters greatly. We can collectively progress and heal; after all, we have no choice but to do so.

"In our time of disturbance and radical change, we are crossing a threshold, portal, or an unseen bridge from one world to another. It could be said that the bridge is either collapsing beneath us, or being made as we walk together, in the long twilight hours when one civilization gives way to another."