Janisse Ray, activist, life long defender of Long Leaf Pine living communities, author of Ecology of a Cracker Childhood, speaks to a conference hosted by the Center for Humans and Nature. Janisse passionately responds to the question “what gives you hope.” In her answer she outlines so perfectly our present situation with changing climate, species in trouble across the globe, our efforts to plan for an uncertain future, and addressing the roots causes within the context of love and community. I found this brief video potent medicine for despair and confusion that can come with the daily news of how our earth and communities are being assaulted by the ever present drive for profit and power.

This video can be a direction or affirmation, indeed is the direction of many groups and individuals working in Pensacola with just the same activities Ray suggests. We need to take heart and we need to grow this movement. I hope you gain as much from watching this as I did today.