Sometimes it all seems overwhelming – the rising temperatures and seas, the melting permafrost and glaciers, ocean acidification and death of sea life, ice loss at the poles, accelerated extinctions, killer heat waves, depletion of oil supplies, freshwater scarcity – might as well just curl up under a rock and hide from apocalypse, right?

No! “Forget that this task of planet-saving is not possible in the time required.  Don’t be put off by people who know what is not possible.  Do what needs to be done and check to see if it was impossible only after you are done.”   To gather up your courage and determination, read Paul Hawken’s inspirational speech to the University of Portland’s graduating class here:Paul Hawken Commencement Speech