Published on August 29, 2016, by Google Talks, this features Otto Scharmer. He is a Senior Lecturer

Published on August 29, 2016, by Google Talks, this features Otto Scharmer. He is a Senior Lecturer at MIT, co-founder of the Presencing Institute and the Global Wellbeing Lab, and chairs the MIT IDEAS program.

Scharmer introduced the concept of "presencing"—learning from the emerging future—in his bestselling books *Theory U* and *Presence*.

To order his book, *Theory U*, visit Amazon or your local bookstore.

Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett's *The Spirit Level* demonstrated how less equal societies perform

Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett's *The Spirit Level* demonstrated how less equal societies perform worse across various social measures, including health, education, and wellbeing. This work significantly heightened public awareness of inequality's impacts.

Their subsequent book, *The Inner Level*, argues that societies built on fundamental equality, sharing, and reciprocity foster greater wellbeing. It contrasts these with societies driven by excessive individualism and aggression, offering new perspectives on how we should organize our collective lives.

Young people worldwide are actively addressing the climate crisis and demanding action from leaders. Our Creating Citizens initiative provides a forum for youth to connect with peers and civic

Young people worldwide are actively addressing the climate crisis and demanding action from leaders. Our Creating Citizens initiative provides a forum for youth to connect with peers and civic leaders on pressing issues.

Join us for a special panel featuring young climate activists discussing their work and the power of youth to tackle climate and social injustice. Educators and students registering receive a free copy of Vanessa Nakate's book, *A Bigger Picture: My Fight to Bring a New African Voice to the Climate Crisis*.

Additional books are available at the Club's online bookstore. Support our work: Become a Member.

The San Francisco Foundation and The Commonwealth Club of California hosted a discussion on Black communities' complex relationship with American land. This conversation explored systemic racism,

The San Francisco Foundation and The Commonwealth Club of California hosted a discussion on Black communities' complex relationship with American land. This conversation explored systemic racism, "food apartheid," and the vital role of the Black farming movement in fostering environmental sustainability and worker cooperatives to ensure healthy, local food access for all.

Executive Director Doria Robinson (Urban Tilth) and Andrea Talley (Mandela Grocery Cooperative) shared insights on farming and food access for BIPOC communities. Noted author Natalie Baszile (*Queen Sugar*, *We Are Each Other's Harvest*) moderated. This program was supported by San Francisco Foundation's Bay Area Leads donors. Become a member: https://www.commonwealthclub.org/membership

Nature's escalating distress signals, from climate catastrophe to disinformation, underscore urgent global challenges. Understanding these perils and "reading Nature's mind" is critical for our

Nature's escalating distress signals, from climate catastrophe to disinformation, underscore urgent global challenges. Understanding these perils and "reading Nature's mind" is critical for our collective future.

Kenny Ausubel, founder and CEO of Bioneers, is an award-winning social entrepreneur, author, and filmmaker. His extensive work, including the book "Dreaming the Future," explores reimagining civilization in the age of nature. He also co-founded Seeds of Change and influenced alternative medicine policy.

Learn more about Bioneers and Kenny Ausubel's contributions at www.bioneers.org.

Join us for an online talk with acclaimed environmental journalist Eugene Linden, author of nine non-fiction books. He will discuss his new book, *Fire and Flood*, which examines how business

Join us for an online talk with acclaimed environmental journalist Eugene Linden, author of nine non-fiction books. He will discuss his new book, *Fire and Flood*, which examines how business interests have historically obscured scientific warnings and hindered climate action. Linden, whose *Winds of Change* won the Grantham Prize, previously covered environmental issues for *Time*.

In *Fire and Flood*, Linden reveals how big money prioritizes short-term profits over long-term threats. He details the insurance industry's dramatic shift, now retreating from high-risk regions like Florida and California due to unmanageable fire and flood risks. This signals a broader business awakening to the urgent need for rapid climate action as long-term consequences become immediate.

Called "the voice of the resistance" by The New York Times, writer and activist Rebecca Solnit discussed her view that the future hinges on present action to counter institutional inertia and

Called "the voice of the resistance" by The New York Times, writer and activist Rebecca Solnit discussed her view that the future hinges on present action to counter institutional inertia and fossil fuel interests. She emphasized moving from climate despair to possibility, drawing from her book *Not Too Late: Changing the Climate Story from Despair to Possibility*.

Solnit was joined by co-editor and climate activist Thelma Young Lutunatabua and native Fijian Fenton Lutunatabua (participating virtually). Together, they called on the audience to embrace indigenous wisdom and new stories to rise to the moment. This event was presented in association with Bioneers 2023 on March 22, 2023.

Hosted by The Commonwealth Club of California, the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum. Join our Email List or BECOME a MEMBER.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, a former Bioneers participant, organizer, and activist, shares her "inside-outside" theory of change in a personal video. This approach, developed as an organizer and

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, a former Bioneers participant, organizer, and activist, shares her "inside-outside" theory of change in a personal video. This approach, developed as an organizer and employed as a legislator, aims to build power and enact policy shifts. She chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus, representing Washington's 7th District.

As the first South Asian American woman elected to the House, Rep. Jayapal is a highly influential leader on progressive policies, including immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and climate. Her work builds on decades of advocacy for women's, immigrant, and human rights. She authored "Use the Power You Have." Learn more at Bioneers.org.

The climate crisis has crucial cultural aspects. Rebecca Solnit, co-editor of *Not Too Late: Changing the Climate Story from Despair to Possibility*, highlights new narratives emerging from

The climate crisis has crucial cultural aspects. Rebecca Solnit, co-editor of *Not Too Late: Changing the Climate Story from Despair to Possibility*, highlights new narratives emerging from science, Indigenous leadership, and organizing. These stories offer grounds for hope, envisioning an age of abundance rather than austerity.

Solnit, a renowned author of over 20 books including *Hope in the Dark*, is an influential writer and activist. She regularly contributes to The Guardian and launched the Not Too Late project.

Learn more at Bioneers.org.

Saru Jayaraman, President of One Fair Wage, Director of the Food Labor Research Center at UC Berkeley, and founder of the Restaurant Opportunities Center, is a leading labor organizer. Author of

Saru Jayaraman, President of One Fair Wage, Director of the Food Labor Research Center at UC Berkeley, and founder of the Restaurant Opportunities Center, is a leading labor organizer. Author of four books, including *One Fair Wage: Ending All Sub-minimum Pay in America*, she is recognized for her creative and effective work.

Jayaraman discusses her two decades organizing restaurant and low-wage workers. She highlights the current historic worker revolt in the U.S., exploring its significant implications for climate justice and democracy.

Learn more at www.bioneers.org