282: Rethinking Our Relationship with the Planet and The Real Solution to Climate Change with Paul Hawken

The Light Watkins Show

Most of us want to do our part to help the environment. We recycle, we conserve energy, we bring reusable bags to the grocery store. But does any of that actually make a difference?

Paul Hawken, one of the world’s foremost environmentalists and author of Carbon: The Book of Life, says that the way we think about climate change is all wrong.

In this episode, Paul breaks down why fear-based climate messaging hasn’t worked—and what actually inspires people to take action. He reveals why carbon isn’t the villain we’ve been told it is, how nature is communicating in ways we’re only beginning to understand, and why reconnecting with the natural world isn’t just good for the planet—it’s essential for our well-being.

Paul also shares surprising insights about soil, the intelligence of plants and animals, and how we’ve been conditioned to see nature as something separate from us rather than as part of us. If you’ve ever wondered whether small changes like cutting back on plastic or choosing organic actually move the needle—or if there’s a bigger, more impactful way to contribute—this episode is for you.

Tune in for a mind-expanding conversation about the interconnectedness of life, the role we each play in shaping the future, and why the solutions to our biggest environmental challenges start with shifting how we see the world around us.

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