Historian Kai Bird's new book, *The Outlier*, offers a definitive account of Jimmy Carter's presidency, detailing his controversial policies and "outlier" status. Bird, a Pulitzer winner, accessed

Historian Kai Bird's new book, *The Outlier*, offers a definitive account of Jimmy Carter's presidency, detailing his controversial policies and "outlier" status. Bird, a Pulitzer winner, accessed private papers and diaries, revealing Carter's humility and self-confidence. The book traces Carter's administration, from domestic agenda to foreign policy, and his battles with Washington over issues like healthcare and inequality.

Join Kai Bird for a fascinating conversation about this often-misunderstood leader. This program, part of The Commonwealth Club's Good Lit series, was held on August 18, 2021, featuring Bird, Dr. Gloria Duffy, and Dr. Mary Bitterman. Explore more programs and events from The Commonwealth Club: YouTube | Events | Watch & Listen.

Facing climate change, a global disaster, experts Arielle Crawford, Gene Baur, Jodi Monelle, and Liz Dee convened to inspire sustainable solutions. Moderated by Deepika Phakke, they shared

Facing climate change, a global disaster, experts Arielle Crawford, Gene Baur, Jodi Monelle, and Liz Dee convened to inspire sustainable solutions. Moderated by Deepika Phakke, they shared insights on combating this urgent threat through everyday actions.

Arielle Crawford, founder of ARIELLE, champions sustainable apparel with regenerative materials. Gene Baur, hailed as the "conscience of the food movement," campaigns against factory farming and influenced animal welfare laws. Jodi Monelle's LIVEKINDLY empowers plant-based living for positive global change. Liz Dee, Co-President of Smarties and CEO of Baleine & Bjorn Capital, invests in solutions to outdated animal products and founded Vegan Ladyboss.

"It's not that I don't think these problems are big or that they're urgent, but I can start to see that these problems are solvable." Data scientist Hannah Ritchie, a self-proclaimed "urgent

"It's not that I don't think these problems are big or that they're urgent, but I can start to see that these problems are solvable." Data scientist Hannah Ritchie, a self-proclaimed "urgent enthusiast," counters climate doomerism with this hopeful message. In her full Big Think interview, Ritchie, a Senior Researcher at Oxford and Deputy Editor at Our World in Data, explores a wide range of critical environmental topics.

She delves into climate change solutions, sustainable food systems, plastic waste, and population dynamics, offering pragmatic perspectives. For more, subscribe to Big Think on YouTube or read the full transcript here. Ritchie is also the author of "Not the End of the World."

WECAN Executive Director Osprey Orielle Lake addressed world governments at the UN ahead of COP26, declaring a refusal to sacrifice future generations for corporate greed and political power. She

WECAN Executive Director Osprey Orielle Lake addressed world governments at the UN ahead of COP26, declaring a refusal to sacrifice future generations for corporate greed and political power. She urged leaders to fight for social, racial, economic justice, and Indigenous and human rights, emphasizing that communities need climate justice now.

Lake demanded an end to "sacrifice people" and "sacrifice zones," challenging governments to confront the fossil fuel industry and deliver the promised $100 billion for a just transition. Highlighting that current commitments fall short of the 1.5°C target, she presented a "Call to Action" from the Global Women’s Assembly for Climate Justice, outlining existing frameworks.

Read the Call to Action Statement here and the Framework Recommendations here.

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.

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Corporations increasingly control American life, wielding unprecedented wealth and power akin to the Gilded Age. Critics argue these multinational companies act as political entities, influencing

Corporations increasingly control American life, wielding unprecedented wealth and power akin to the Gilded Age. Critics argue these multinational companies act as political entities, influencing governments and circumventing justice.

Scholar Zephyr Teachout proposes breaking up monopolies to protect democracy. In *Break 'Em Up*, she argues monopolies fuel inequality and partisanship, advocating antitrust efforts. Join Teachout and Tim Wu (Columbia Law School) for a vital discussion on consolidated private power and a path forward.

For more: commonwealthclub.org | YouTube | Donate | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter. Tim Wu: @superwuster.

Growing concern about beef's environmental impact faces political backlash, driving new climate commitments. Food and climate experts will discuss the climate science of beef, exploring effective

Growing concern about beef's environmental impact faces political backlash, driving new climate commitments. Food and climate experts will discuss the climate science of beef, exploring effective solutions, regenerative practices, and emission reduction strategies. They will also examine carbon markets, consumer awareness, and how cultural factors influence the debate.

Renowned experts Dr. Jonathan Foley (Project Drawdown), Dr. Matthew Hayek (NYU), and Dr. Silvia Secchi (University of Iowa) will lead this discussion. Sign up for our Food X e-newsletter: https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/population_and_sustainability/food-x/

Ellen MacArthur and Christiana Figueres met with BBC's Sumi Somaskanda at NYC Climate Week to discuss the Global Plastics Treaty. They highlighted this critical opportunity to address plastic

Ellen MacArthur and Christiana Figueres met with BBC's Sumi Somaskanda at NYC Climate Week to discuss the Global Plastics Treaty. They highlighted this critical opportunity to address plastic pollution through a globally coordinated, legally-binding agreement.

Existing solutions and efforts by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation demonstrate the power of collective action. Final UN Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Busan, Korea, this November offer a chance to establish ambitious, global rules for the entire plastics life cycle, transforming the system and preventing waste. The Foundation promotes a circular economy to eliminate waste and regenerate nature.

Learn more about their work at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation website and YouTube channel, or follow them on social media.

Eric Ries, creator of the Lean Startup method and author of *The Lean Startup*, will discuss his upcoming book, *Incorruptible*. He posits that all commercial and civic infrastructure, though

Eric Ries, creator of the Lean Startup method and author of *The Lean Startup*, will discuss his upcoming book, *Incorruptible*. He posits that all commercial and civic infrastructure, though seemingly immutable, can be reinvented. Ries will explore how founders and leaders can build incorruptible organizations designed to last for decades and tangibly support human flourishing.

His Long Now Talk, facilitated by Denise Hearn, will delve into architecting accountability and governance mechanisms that outlive their creators and remain resilient across generations. Ries emphasizes imagining institutions future generations will thank us for, ensuring today's organizational choices become liberating structures rather than inherited constraints. His new book, *Incorruptible: Why Good Companies Go Bad…and How Great Companies Stay Great*, is available May 28, 2026.

An event titled "Women in Action for Climate Justice and a Just Transition: Path to COP30 and Beyond" brought together diverse global women leaders. They highlighted the importance of a Just

An event titled "Women in Action for Climate Justice and a Just Transition: Path to COP30 and Beyond" brought together diverse global women leaders. They highlighted the importance of a Just Transition and presented comprehensive, intersectional strategies to advance community-led climate solutions, phase out fossil fuels, protect democracy, and strengthen the climate justice movement.

Discussions focused on critical topics such as forest protection, reforestation, gender-responsive climate policies, fossil fuel resistance, food sovereignty, Indigenous and human rights, Rights of Nature, and strategic campaigns for COP30 and future climate action.

Prominent speakers included Thilmeeza Hussain (UN), Eriel Tchekwie Deranger (2024 Climate Breakthrough Award Winner), Bridget Burns (WEDO), Tzeporah Berman (Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty), Colette Pichon-Battle (Taproot Earth), Jozileia Kaingang (ANMIGA), Taily Terena (2025 Global Citizen Prize Winner), and Casey Camp-Horinek (Ponca Nation Environmental Ambassador). The event was moderated by Osprey Orielle Lake, Founder and Executive Director of Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN).