Hope and Courage in the Climate Crisis

"A vitally important book." 

- Prof Tim Flannery, author of of The Future Eaters (1994) and The Climate Cure (2020)
“This valuable book will help you gain the courage needed to continue the fight against climate change and its increasing impacts. Even as a climate expert I learnt many important lessons from these multiple philosophical and religious perspectives.”
- Prof David Karoly, climate scientist, University of Melbourne, Australia
“Hope and Courage in the Climate Crisis is a must read for anyone coming to terms with the climate crisis… Uncompromisingly honest yet always compassionate to the human condition, Wiseman offers not simple solutions, but an enriching discourse grounded in history, philosophy and the great spiritual traditions. … This generous book is leading the way forward, beyond the existing apocalyptic climate change literature, to offer hope and tangible solutions underpinned by a faith in humanity’s interminable capacity for restoration.”
- Assistant Prof Grant Blashki, Lead Clinical Adviser, Beyond Blue and Associate Professor in Global Health, University of Melbourne, Australia

As the risks of the climate crisis continue to grow, so too do the challenges of facing a harsh climate future with honesty and courage; justice and compassion; meaning and purpose. 
Hope and Courage in the Climate Crisis explores diverse sources of learning and wisdom –from climate scientists and activists; philosophers and social theorists; Indigenous cultures and ways of life; faith based and spiritual traditions; artists and writers –which can help us live courageous, compassionate and creative lives in a world of rapidly accelerating climatic and ecological risk. Accelerating the transition to a just and resilient zero-carbon society will require visionary leadership and courageous collective action. Awareness that rapid action might still be insufficient to prevent severe and irreversible social and ecological damage is however a source of deep concern for many people passionately committed to decisive climate action. Drawing on broad experience as a climate activist, researcher and policy maker John Wiseman provides a wide ranging, accessible and provocative guided tour of ideas which can inspire and sustain radical hope and defiant courage in the long emergency which now lies before us.

John Wiseman is a research fellow at the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute and the Climate and Energy College, University of Melbourne, Australia. His current research and policy work focuses on strategies for restoring a safe climate and accelerating the transition to a just and resilient zero-carbon society.