If there’s anyone who can cut through the noise on climate change and show us a future worth running toward, it’s Paul Hawken. As a globally recognized environmentalist, entrepreneur, and author, he has spent decades not only sounding the alarm on climate change, but also offering practical, hopeful solutions. His groundbreaking work, from Project Drawdown to Regeneration, has redefined how we think about reversing global warming—rather than just mitigating it. 

Now, with his latest book, Carbon: The Book of Life, he’s taking that mission even further, challenging us to see carbon not as the enemy, but as the key to restoring balance to our planet.

Paul Hawken: An Environmentalist of Many Hats

Paul’s career is marked by transformative leadership that seamlessly blends environmental stewardship with entrepreneurial excellence. As the visionary behind Smith & Hawken—a groundbreaking outdoor furniture business that redefined sustainable commerce globally—he has turned visionary concepts into real-world impact, driving change that ripples through industries and communities alike. His ventures and initiatives have not only challenged conventional thinking, but have also set new standards for how business can contribute to a healthier planet.

From his early days as an entrepreneur challenging the norms of industry, to becoming a transformative voice in climate change innovation, Paul Hawken has consistently turned bold ideas into tangible action. He’s not just an author whose poetic insights have redefined our understanding of carbon and nature—he’s a trailblazer, who has inspired grassroots movements and local solutions worldwide. 

Beyond his entrepreneurial achievements, Paul has earned numerous prestigious honors from leading environmental and business organizations, underscoring the profound impact of his contributions. Project Drawdown stands out as a monumental achievement; Widely regarded as the most comprehensive climate change mitigation plan ever created, this pioneering project encapsulates his deep understanding of our interconnected world and offers a compelling blueprint for a sustainable future. 

Time To Stop Objectifying Mother Nature

One of the most compelling parts of our discussion is Paul’s exploration of the concept of “objectifying” nature; how, over time, we’ve come to see carbon,  the climate, and even the earth itself as separate enteties—and we’ve cast carbon as an enemy to be fought, “tackled,” or “battled,” rather than a partner in life. 

Paul explains (in his characteristically vivid way) that carbon isn’t the villain it’s often made out to be. Rather than seeing it as a pollutant, he invites us to imagine carbon as the ultimate life force, flowing ceaselessly through our bodies, the soil, the oceans, and the atmosphere. I was particularly struck by his passionate description of carbon as “the courier coursing through every particle of our existence”—a poetic take that reminds us how every cell in our body is part of a vast, interconnected dance.

Instead of focusing on a war against carbon, Paul suggests that we should shift our mindset, and see carbon for what it truly is: a flowing element essential to life. This perspective challenges us to reframe our relationship with the natural world, and in doing so, makes us more likely to come up with expansive ideas and solutions to the world’s problems. 

As we wander through these ideas, Paul paints a picture of nature’s subtle wonders, such as the delightfully tangible topic of soil—the very ground beneath our feet. In his eyes, soil isn’t just dirt; it’s a living, breathing ecosystem teeming with trillions of organisms. He contrasted the vibrant, bustling life of undisturbed soil with the silent, almost sterile ground of industrial farms; where even the soil “sings” with bioacoustic life, to be a reminder of what’s possible when compared to the barren, chemical-fed fields that have become so common.

Our discussion around “Paper Eyes,” a chapter in his book where he mused about the eyespots on butterfly wings, was one of the most memorable pieces of this conversation. Those aren’t just pretty patterns—they’re natural designs honed over millions of years; and they serve a purpose, acting as a deterrent against predators. It was a light, almost whimsical moment that underscored his belief in the inherent intelligence and beauty of the natural world.

Real Change Starts as Small as a Carbon Atom

What resonated most with me may have been Paul’s emphasis on local action. In a world often dominated by grand, top-down solutions, he reminds us that real solutions begin at the grassroots level:

“Change starts with one person,” he said, before going on to highlight how small, individual actions can ripple out and create a collective force for good. It’s a message that feels especially urgent now—a call to pay attention to our immediate surroundings, and take pride in our local contributions, no matter how small they may seem.

Before we wrapped up, Paul left me with a simple yet profound thought: 

“If you know what you’re losing, then say, ‘Got it. Now, what are you gonna do?’” 

It’s a gentle, simple nudge, but it’s an important one; reminding us not to let grief or despair paralyze us, but rather to transform those feelings into motivated, tangible actions. The world is full of profound connections that bind us—to each other, to the soil, and to the very starlight that nourishes all life. 

Paul Hawken calls us to look at our world with fresh eyes; to cherish the intricate, living tapestry that surrounds us, and to find our own small ways to contribute to a more sustainable and hopeful future.

• Episode #79: Living a Regenerative Life: Falling in Love with a Sustainable Future with Paul Hawken
• Episode #116: Saving Whales to Save Ourselves: Shared Survival through Whale Research with Iain Kerr

• Growing a Business
• The Next Economy
• The Ecology of Commerce
• Blessed Unrest
• Drawdown
• Regeneration

• Framers of 40 Centuries
• Weeds: Guardians of the Soil
• The Sounds of Life: How Digital Technology Is Bringing Us Closer to the Worlds of Animals and Plants

• Counterattack: “We’re fighting back against the loggers.” 
• (& our accompanying article, “Old Cellphones: The Key to Stopping Climate Change” with Topher White)
• Benjamin Zander: PopTech 2008

• 00:00 – Intro & Welcome
• 03:20 – Paul’s Writing Process
• 07:41 – Rethinking Carbon and Climate Change
• 12:37 – The Climate Movement and Its Challenges
• 20:08 – The Disconnect in Food and Health
• 25:10 –  Break
• 27:26 – Dark Earth and Soil’s Importance
• 36:54 – Eating Starlight: The Interconnectedness of Life
• 45:20 – The Role of Insects in the Ecosystem
• 52:52 – The Intelligence of Nature
• 1:00:54 – The Big Takeaway: Rediscovering Wonder
• 1:09:30 – Closing