cover image Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation

Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation

Paul Hawken. Penguin Books, $25 trade paper (256p) ISBN 978-0-14-313697-2

“Regeneration is not only about bringing the world back to life; it is about bringing each of us back to life,” writes environmentalist Hawken (Blessed Unrest) in this comprehensive guide to combating the climate crisis. With a strategy that puts “life at the center of every action and decision,” Hawken calls for a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and for the protection of natural habitats globally. The author divides his guidance into several broad categories—“Oceans” introduces “seaforestation,” or growing marine forests “where they would not normally occur,” and makes a plea for “marine protected areas.” “Forest” looks at the versatility and sustainability of bamboo, and explains such concepts as proforestation (allowing and encouraging trees to recover and grow) and afforestation (“planting trees where none grew before”). The “Industry” section is the most engaging, and in it Hawken tackles the environmental impact of processed food, health care, fashion, war, and plastics. An “Action and Connection” chapter is filled with reasonable real-world steps: there’s a 12-point climate checklist that readers can apply to their lives, and a list of things to do to make one’s lifestyle greener. Urgent but never tipping into doom and gloom, this will be a boon to readers worried about a warming world. (Sept.)