A New Garden Ethic

Too often, books by scientists err toward the ultra-cerebral. Full of facts, figures and charts-but not enough heart. That's what makes Being the Change so refreshing. Kalmus is a respected atmospheric sci- entist and weighs in with authority when it comes to the topic of cli- mate change. But he speaks to us as a person, sharing his experiences, concerns, and aspirations as a fellow human being combatting the existential threat of human-caused climate change. And he shares with us a vital message about how we can indeed be the change we need to see in the world if we are to avert a climate catastrophe. - Michael E. Mann, Distinguished Professor of Atmospheric Science, Penn State University, and co-author, The Madhouse Effect: How Climate Change Denial is Threatening the Planet, Destroying our Politics, and Driving Us CrazyWhen Science and the mind are aligned with the heart, they become True Science and it manifests in books like Being the Change -a sort of courageous manifesto for citizens of the World in the 21st century. Peter Kalmus is the kind of dad, husband, friend, serious meditator, scientist, heartivist and brother any of us concerned for future gener- ations and more harmonious communities would like to have in our (Solar)neighborhood. -Pancho Ramos-Stierle, Satyagrahi and full-time ServiceSpace volunteerImagine you had your very own climate scientist living next door. What would he or she tell you to do? Peter is that neighbor. He walks the walk for his kids, for the land, for our future-and he can help you do it too.- Kelly Coyne and Erik Knutzen, authors, The Urban Homestead and Making It: Radical Home Ec for a Post-Consumer World rootsimple.comSo often, we feel that nothing we do will make a difference. Peter doesn't just dispel that myth, he buries it: under his feral bee hives, his urban chicken run, and his compost heap (just don't ask what's in it). These gut-wrenchingly honest yet obstinately hopeful reflections provide a roadmap to building our own personal bulwark against the storm we face today. -Katharine Hayhoe, climate scientist, Professor at Texas Tech University, author, A Climate for Change: Global Warming Facts for Faith-based DecisionsThis book makes it clear that all of us have a responsibility to cherish the miracles that compose the natural world. We need to think deeply about how we live and then, as Peter Kalmus advises, radically reduce our use of fossil fuels. Everything is sacred. Learning how to get along, to be happy and to live within the limits of the biosphere are sacred tasks. Please read this book. It will be good for your soul. -James Hoggan, author, I'm Right and You're an IdiotPeter's work makes me smile. The mission of Citizens Climate Lobby is to create the political will for a livable planet by encouraging others to make breakthroughs in their personal and political power. Peter demonstrates practical steps, for individuals and organizations all the way up to the global scale, to advance these goals. His manner of living exemplifies the connection between power, reason, creativity and joy. -James Waterhouse, co-founder, Citizens Climate Lobby, Pasadena Foothills Chapter; co-founder, SoCal 350 Action NetworkWe all must take huge risks in order to create a truly just and life-sustaining society. Being the Change maps the first important leaps on this journey, describing real-life examples of the good life that awaits us beyond capitalism, species-extinction, economic injustice, and fossil-fuel addiction. It is a roadmap out of our destructive and oppressive culture that touches upon the essential need for wealth redistribution and racial justice in the climate revolution. Please follow Peter's inspiring example: we must act!-Ethan Hughes, co-founder of the Possibility Alliance