PDF Summary:All We Can Save, by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katharine K. Wilkinson

All We Can Save examines the far-reaching effects of the climate crisis on ecosystems, societies, and individual well-being. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katharine K. Wilkinson compile perspectives from a diverse group of writers exploring how climate change intersects with racial injustice, economic inequality, and psychological challenges.

The authors underscore the necessity for collective action beyond solely environmental measures, advocating for a holistic approach to confront systemic inequities exacerbating the crisis. They argue that integrating indigenous knowledge, revitalizing agricultural practices, and strengthening community resilience are essential components in mitigating climate impacts and fostering sustainability.

(continued)...

The expertise and methodologies offered by Black, Indigenous, and female farmers are vital, offering indispensable viewpoints for tackling the climate crisis.

The authors emphasize the importance of listening to farmers and advocates for food justice, who are profoundly impacted by the dual challenges of climate change and unfair economic systems, particularly those who are Black, Indigenous, and women in the agricultural sector.

Individuals who have often been marginalized and disproportionately affected due to their unique insights into agriculture and food production hold a deep understanding and offer a range of successful, proven solutions.

Ocean farming, when practiced with a focus on regeneration, has the extraordinary capacity to yield benefits that span the social, economic, and environmental spectrum.

The authors consider the protection and enhancement of ocean ecosystems to be a critical approach in the fight against climate change, providing a range of healthy food options while supporting prosperous communities along the coastlines and addressing challenges associated with soil erosion, increasing worldwide temperatures, and the lack of food.

In her essay, Emily Stengel describes her transition from land-based farming to joining forces with Bren Smith to create GreenWave, an entity dedicated to nurturing a network of marine agriculturists who concentrate on the sustainable farming of seaweed and shellfish. She describes marine farming as a straightforward yet all-encompassing partnership with the sea, highlighting its importance in mitigating the impacts of climate change while also creating job prospects for new farmers, addressing food shortages, restoring ocean ecosystems, and reducing the negative impact of land-based farming on marine environments.

Women are at the forefront of leading efforts to lessen the effects of climate change on ocean habitats.

The authors highlight the significant role women play in influencing sustainable methods and conversations concerning the cultivation of marine life.

Stengel highlights the dominance of male professionals in ocean-related fields and underscores the emergence of women leaders who are spearheading the movement toward sustainable and restorative marine farming practices. They are people actively involved in cultivating marine environments, advancing hatchery techniques, pioneering business ventures, and shaping policy, all while lending their distinct skills to create a maritime sector that is equitable and sustainable, breaking away from the traditional male-centric hierarchies.

To enhance our ability to withstand climate-related challenges, it is crucial to engage in and support grassroots organizing.

The authors emphasize the critical role that communal support structures play in adjusting to climatic shifts, drawing on instances from communities in Puerto Rico.

In her essay, Christine E. Nieves Rodríguez shares a narrative of the remarkable resilience demonstrated by the residents of Mariana, Puerto Rico, amidst the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Maria in 2017. After going back to Puerto Rico, she found herself disenchanted with her homeland and the people living there. She was raised in an environment where the prevailing sentiment was that indolence and dishonesty were commonplace, and that optimism was unattainable, an outlook that tainted her worldview with bleak images of ecological destruction and a sense of despair and injustice. Rodríguez had relocated to the hilly municipality of Mariana a mere nine months prior to the catastrophic strike of Hurricane Maria. The pervasive feeling of utter abandonment stemmed from the severe destruction caused by the tempests. In a matter of days, the unity and joint actions of her neighbors in rejuvenating their area made it clear to her that Puerto Rico possessed a resilience that surpassed her original expectations. Rodríguez recognized that the island's resilience stemmed from a profound trust within the community and a readiness to support each other.

Communities that possess robust organizational frameworks and notable levels of interconnectedness demonstrate enhanced capacity to withstand crises.

The authors emphasize that the experiences of Nieves Rodríguez in a Puerto Rican community, which endured significant hardship during Hurricane Maria, underscore the vital significance of strong communal ties and united action when facing adversities.

In the wake of the storm's destruction, Mariana Nieves Rodríguez and her partner founded the Proyecto de Apoyo Mutuo, which started a community kitchen that served daily hot meals to hundreds of residents. The community, pooling their expertise, resources, and a range of essential support, wholly spearheaded and funded the initiative. Soon they had medical professionals on hand and a team of volunteers providing nourishment to the sick and elderly, who were confined within their own dwellings, thereby turning their residence into a refuge that became a source of both practical aid and comfort for those in the community affected by the chaos of the disaster. Nieves Rodríguez acknowledged that nurturing a robust sense of community is essential in tackling the challenges posed by the climate crisis.

Other Perspectives

• While community-led initiatives are valuable, they may lack the resources and scale necessary to address global climate change without support from larger entities like governments and corporations.
• Respect for the planet is subjective and cultural; different societies may have varying interpretations of what constitutes respect and how to implement it.
• The historical connection of Black communities to the earth, while rich and insightful, may not be universally applicable or accepted as a basis for agricultural policy.
• Soil vitality and diverse agricultural methods are important, but they must be balanced with economic realities and food security needs that may sometimes require intensive farming practices.
• The expertise of Black, Indigenous, and female farmers is crucial, but integrating their knowledge into mainstream agriculture may face systemic barriers and resistance to change.
• Ocean farming has potential, but it also faces challenges such as regulatory hurdles, potential ecological impacts, and the need for significant investment and research to ensure sustainability.
• The role of women in sustainable marine farming is growing, but systemic gender biases and inequalities in the field may continue to limit their impact and recognition.
• Grassroots organizing is important for community resilience, but it may not be sufficient to address large-scale disasters without external aid and institutional support.
• Strong communal ties are beneficial, but they may not be enough to overcome the lack of infrastructure, resources, and official disaster response mechanisms in times of crisis.

Ensuring the stewardship and equitable oversight of the land, traditionally upheld by Indigenous communities, is critically essential.

Indigenous knowledge offers a comprehensive, ecologically-centered perspective.

The authors stress the significance of integrating ancestral Indigenous knowledge as a foundational element in our collective endeavors to tackle the present multitude of challenges.

Indigenous peoples maintain a viewpoint that underscores our duty to safeguard the planet, recognizing our essential role within the extensive web of existence, which acknowledges the mutual reliance of every organism and their ecological systems. Indigenous peoples' kinship systems, which include all elements of the environment, offer a functional structure that promotes the transformation of our communities to foster fairness and compassion while also nurturing the well-being of Earth's ecosystems.

Scientific initiatives ought to enhance and show reverence for the unique knowledge and cultural traditions intrinsic to Indigenous populations.

The authors challenge a common bias within mainstream science that dismisses indigenous ecological understanding as outdated and rudimentary, preferring an approach that concentrates on isolated elements while failing to acknowledge the interconnectedness of ecosystems.

Mitchell emphasizes the significant impact of racial and imperial biases on scientific domains, encouraging readers to scrutinize the often-assumed impartiality of scientific claims. She is of the opinion that mainstream science's traditional method of segregating data obstructs the recognition of crucial connections that Indigenous populations understand and that some scientific communities are now starting to embrace.

Acknowledging our deep connection to the environment brings a multitude of benefits.

The writers emphasize the importance of native traditions in showing how our stewardship and relationships with the natural world are deeply linked to the concept of kinship.

Mitchell encourages us to broaden our compassion and focus to include a more diverse array of creatures, thereby transforming our perception of familial bonds. Western mainstream cultures often exhibit a human-centered viewpoint, which results in a fragmented perception of our role within the global ecosystem, and we commonly look for answers to problems we have created in areas beyond our own behavior and obligations. Mitchell underscores the significance of our bond with all life forms, suggesting that insights to address our current dilemmas can be found by embracing the kinship wisdom deeply rooted in Indigenous traditions.

Understanding the depth of interconnectivity within the natural world.

The authors emphasize the concept of kinship as a lens through which to view the influence of our connections with different species and ecosystems on our actions and choices.

Mitchell shares stories from the early days of Turtle Island, highlighting how nature has been integral to human evolution. The ash tree symbolizes the familial lineage encompassing our grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts, and uncles. Understanding that the natural world is a vital component of our broader familial connections, a notion Mitchell describes as a sense of relatedness, is crucial for strengthening our bond with the Earth and progressing toward a way of living that fosters sustainability, fairness, and balance.

Indigenous groups are pivotal in opposing unsustainable development through their active resistance.

The writers highlight the courage and perceptiveness of Native communities and their allies as they resist initiatives that threaten their traditional lands and the ecological well-being that impacts us all.

Tara Houska's essay "Sacred Resistance" compellingly details her commitment to defending the environmental sovereignty of Indigenous communities, emphasizing her determined actions to halt the construction of Enbridge Line 3. Houska underscores the pivotal influence of Indigenous communities and the lands they steward on our collective future, considering these areas harbor approximately 80 percent of the world's biodiversity and contribute minimally to greenhouse gas emissions. She underscores the vital need to respect the rights of Indigenous peoples as a key element of protecting the environment. However, when they peacefully resist initiatives that depend on fossil fuels and assert their time-honored rights to safeguard the ecosystems that have sustained their communities for generations, they frequently encounter forceful resistance.

Environmental advocates place a high value on the health and success of their communities, ensuring respect for nature's rights.

The authors underscore the ethical implications of our choices by exploring how indigenous communities oppose industrial encroachment.

Houska shares her journey as a leader of demonstrations opposing the establishment of the Line 3 pipeline, enduring frigid temperatures and facing opposition and intimidation from community adversaries and law enforcement. Houska's encounters with peril, imprisonment, and legal accusations powerfully demonstrate society's hesitance to acknowledge the reality of the climate crisis. She wonders if most people truly believe that change can occur without any discomfort.

The formulation of policies related to climate change must prioritize the incorporation of environmental justice into advocacy efforts.

The authors underscore the significance of acknowledging the varied impacts of the climate crisis on individuals and highlight the necessity of addressing these entrenched inequalities within the framework of resolving environmental issues.

Heather McTeer Toney emphasizes the increasing dedication of Black communities to environmental stewardship, recognizing their longstanding leadership in tackling ecological challenges. Toney argues that the fight for environmental justice is inherently connected to civil rights, leading efforts to protect communities and ensure their entitlement to clean environments.

Emphasizing the perspectives and groups at the forefront promotes a society grounded in fairness and guarantees a just transition.

The authors stress the need to correct the ongoing sidelining of Indigenous peoples and communities of color by making certain that they are not merely involved but play a pivotal role at the forefront of climate action efforts.

Toney, a pioneer in Black climate leadership, observes that numerous Black individuals participate in environmental advocacy by opposing coal-burning plants that jeopardize the clean air around areas where children play; they also stand against the siting of toxic waste facilities near their dwellings and places of worship, and they inform their relatives about preparing nutritious, economical meals in areas where obtaining such food is inconsistent. She demonstrates the complex ways in which pollution is woven into our lives, affecting our leisure, work, and aspirations for tranquility. Writings have been developed to tackle this subject. The guidance and contributions of these groups, especially those offered by Black women, often remain unacknowledged.

Other Perspectives

• Indigenous knowledge, while valuable, may not always be directly applicable to modern environmental challenges due to differences in scale, technology, and societal complexity.
• The integration of Indigenous knowledge into scientific initiatives must be done in a way that respects intellectual property rights and avoids cultural appropriation.
• Scientific methods have developed to provide rigorous, repeatable results, and while they can certainly benefit from Indigenous perspectives, they should not be discounted for their analytical approach to problem-solving.
• The concept of kinship with nature, while philosophically enriching, may not always translate into practical policy or action that can be measured and enforced.
• Active resistance by Indigenous groups to unsustainable development is important, but it must be balanced with the need for economic development and the provision of jobs and infrastructure in their communities.
• The prioritization of environmental justice in climate change policies is crucial, but it must be implemented in a way that also considers economic feasibility and the interests of various stakeholders, including businesses and consumers.
• While communities of color are often at the forefront of environmental advocacy, it is also important to engage and include all communities to ensure broad support for environmental initiatives.
• The role of Indigenous peoples and communities of color in climate action efforts is vital, but it should be part of a larger, inclusive strategy that involves diverse voices and expertise.
• The emphasis on the negative impacts of pollution on Black communities is important, but solutions should also focus on empowering these communities through education, economic opportunities, and technological advancements.

Addressing the climate crisis involves not only environmental challenges but also encompasses emotional, psychological, and social dimensions.

It is essential to comprehend the factors and processes that can result in environmental despair as a consequence of climate change.

The authors recognize that grasping the impacts of climate change can result in feelings of anguish and hopelessness.

In the essay "Under the Weather," Ash Sanders explores the deep emotional distress and possible mental health emergencies that may stem from recognizing the destruction of our natural world and the changes in our climate, especially when met with insufficient public response. Sanders recounts his university encounter with Chris Foster, detailing Foster's profound distress over the ecological damages caused by human actions, which left him grappling with how to cope. Foster, deeply passionate about mathematics and philosophy, noticed his grades slipping, fell into a deep depression, lost a considerable amount of weight, and ultimately withdrew from school. Sanders shares his personal journey of addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change and his endeavors to catalyze a broad shift in societal attitudes and behaviors. He became overwhelmed with desolation and mental distress when he fully comprehended the danger, feeling overwhelmed by remorse and hopelessness, unable to halt the pervasive fear of environmental disaster that dominated his life.

Understanding solastalgia and the stress responses that arise due to anticipated climate change impacts.

The writers argue that the mental unease caused by global climate issues indicates a deep-seated emotional intelligence that warrants careful consideration instead of being dismissed as trivial or overly simplistic.

Sanders sheds light on terms like "solastalgia" and "pre-traumatic stress disorder," which describe the psychological discomfort associated with observing the deterioration of our planet's climate. The philosopher Glenn Albrecht introduced "solastalgia" as a term for the deep-seated distress and sorrow experienced when witnessing the destruction of cherished natural environments. Physician Lise Van Susteren coined a term to describe the psychological turmoil experienced by individuals who, burdened by an acute awareness of the worsening ecological crisis, grapple with feelings of anxiety, guilt, fear, despair, and occasionally battle sleeplessness.

Engaging with nature boosts mental health and aids in recovery.

The authors delve into the connection between ecological studies and psychological wellness, aiming to understand how climate change impacts mental health and to identify the best strategies for offering collective support in these difficult periods.

Sanders examines the perspectives of ecopsychologists who contest the traditional psychiatric methodology that attributes mental illness exclusively to the pathology of a single person. Advocates of this viewpoint maintain that the intrinsic link between human beings and the natural world is crucial, and any damage to this bond can adversely affect our well-being, indicating that the weakening of this connection has contributed to environmental degradation and the excessive exploitation of Earth's ecosystems, factors that have been instrumental in driving climate change forward. The well-acknowledged advantages of immersing oneself in natural surroundings include both physical and emotional enhancements. Sanders highlights how just sixty minutes spent in the natural environment can boost memory and concentration by twenty percent.

Our estrangement from the natural world has obscured the repercussions of our behavior.

The writers propose that the solace derived from unchecked consumerism is linked to a weakening connection to the environment.

Amanda Sturgeon, in her essay "Buildings Designed for Life," advocates for transforming our constructed surroundings to foster a reconnection with the natural world, a shift that reduces the environmental impact of our buildings while also improving human well-being and joy.

The pervasive and deep-seated exhaustion is associated with concerns regarding the state of our environment.

The authors emphasize the increasing awareness of the profound exhaustion experienced by those involved in climate change work, whether professionally or in activism.

Susanne Moser's essay sheds light on methods to strengthen the endurance of unsung heroes. Burnout, or extreme physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion, Moser explains, is often brought on by prolonged exposure to stressful situations, especially for those who are intensely involved in confronting the complex issues associated with global environmental shifts. Moser and her colleagues have found that individuals working in fields such as urban planning, medical care, and the development of essential facilities, who are deeply involved in climate change-related work, are showing a high rate of burnout.

Professionals in the environmental field should cultivate strong support networks and engage in activities that emphasize their health to protect themselves from emotional, psychological, and physical harm.

The authors argue that it is both our responsibility and in our best interest to support those who are actively addressing the climate crisis, as individuals who become overwhelmed by their efforts often fail and are at risk of giving up on their environmental initiatives.

Moser argues that those who will address future environmental challenges should develop what she calls a "resilient mentality." She emphasizes the importance of a multifaceted approach that combines various skills, inclinations, and viewpoints, which is essential for individuals, organizations, and communities to adeptly navigate transitions and demonstrate strong resilience.

Investigating the importance of courage and a hopeful outlook when tackling the challenges posed by climate change.

The authors explore the process by which climate advocates and the general populace acknowledge and address the daunting climate crisis, as they contend with the substantial task of overhauling entrenched systems.

In her essay, Emily Johnston explores the challenge of holding dear a planet increasingly succumbing to the harmful effects of a changing climate, teetering on the edge of a widespread extinction event that could encompass humanity. Johnston maintains that we have a choice to either yield to our sorrow and despondency or to bravely and creatively take action, in spite of uncertainties, to safeguard as much and as many as we can against the odds.

During times of uncertainty, difficulty, and grief, our spirits are lifted through bravery, affection, and the bonds of community.

The authors underscore the necessity of drawing resilience and resolve from our collective connections and deliberate actions to protect what we can control, even though the enormity of the climate crisis can be daunting and may diminish optimism, especially for individuals long acquainted with its challenges.

Johnston delves into the complex mental hurdles associated with acknowledging climate change, emphasizing how societal stories often foster feelings of hopelessness and avoidance by failing to recognize the emotional and psychological impact of this realization, as well as our duty to confront these consequences. The concept of collective care resonates with Johnston, recognizing that our duties extend beyond our immediate family to include the broader community. She argues that this approach provides a sense of steadiness and comfort as we strive to maintain the well-being of our families and communities in the face of constant change and uncertainty.

Other Perspectives

• While engaging with nature can be beneficial, it may not be a feasible solution for everyone, especially those living in urban areas with limited access to natural spaces.
• The concept of solastalgia, while useful in understanding emotional responses to environmental change, may not be universally accepted or recognized within the psychological community.
• The focus on individual emotional responses to climate change might detract from the urgency of collective action and systemic change required to address the root causes of the crisis.
• Cultivating a strong support network is important, but it may not be sufficient to prevent burnout among environmental professionals without addressing systemic issues such as underfunding and political resistance.
• The emphasis on courage and a hopeful outlook could be seen as placing undue responsibility on individuals to remain positive, potentially minimizing the valid feelings of grief and anger that come with environmental loss.
• The idea that professionals should engage in health-promoting activities assumes that they have the time, resources, and energy to do so, which may not be the case for everyone involved in environmental work.
• The notion of drawing resilience from collective connections assumes a level of community cohesion and support that may not exist in all contexts, particularly in more individualistic societies.