Published on June 18, 2015, by Democracy Now, this report covers Pope Francis's encyclical on the environment and climate change. In the encyclical (available to download here), Pope Francis called for urgent action to protect the planet, urging leaders to hear "the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor." He emphasized a moral imperative for all to safeguard the environment, advocating for a shift from a "throwaway" consumer culture in rich countries and an end to attitudes that prioritize profit over the common good. A key theme is the disparity between rich and poor, with the Pope noting the vast difference between those in "desperate and degrading poverty" and those with excessive possessions.

The discussion features Naomi Klein, author of "This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate," who was invited to speak at the Vatican's "People and Planet First: The Imperative to Change Course" conference. Also joining is Nathan Schneider, a columnist at America magazine, a national Catholic weekly published by the Jesuits.

Democracy Now! is an independent global news hour, airing weekdays on over 1,300 TV and radio stations. Their livestream is available Monday through Friday, 8-9 am ET.

In his TED Talk, "What Really Matters at the End of Life," palliative care physician BJ Miller explores our deepest desires for comfort, respect, and love as life concludes. He offers profound insights on creating a dignified and graceful end-of-life experience for patients.

This moving presentation challenges us to reflect on death and how to truly honor life. TEDTalks feature leading thinkers sharing ideas on technology, entertainment, design, and more. For closed captions and translated subtitles, visit ted.com/translate.

Eckhart Tolle joined Bradley Horowitz for a "Talks at Google" fireside chat, uploaded on February 23, 2012. The conversation explored "Living with Meaning, Purpose and Wisdom in the Digital Age."

For more insights from Eckhart Tolle, visit his official website: EckhartTolle.com.

The "Declaration of Interdependence: A Pledge to Planet Earth" was co-authored in 1992 by David Suzuki, Tara Cullis, Raffi Cavoukian, Wade Davis, Guujaw, and others.

As the founding document of the David Suzuki Foundation, it articulates the organization's core values. It presents a vision for planetary survival through a "new politics of hope," emphasizing connection and interdependence for the future of Earth.

Arctic sea ice has reached a record low wintertime maximum extent for the second consecutive year. Scientists from the National Snow and Ice Data Center and NASA reported this finding, noting the extent reached 5.607 million square miles on March 24. This represents the lowest maximum extent recorded in the satellite era.

An accompanying animation illustrates the Arctic sea ice freeze cycle, from its previous summertime minimum to this new wintertime maximum. (Credit: NASA Goddard's Scientific Visualization Studio/C. Starr)

At the 2016 Investor Summit on Climate Risk, Responsible Investor's Vibeka Mair interviewed New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. DiNapoli, who oversees the state's $184.5 billion Common Retirement Fund, discussed its evolving investment strategy regarding climate change.

The conversation highlighted new commitments to a low-carbon index, in partnership with Goldman Sachs Asset Management. This interview, originally published on March 11, 2016, was sourced from the Ceres YouTube Channel, covering the summit held at U.N. Headquarters in NYC.

During the Investor Summit on Climate Risk at U.N. Headquarters in NYC, Vibeka Mair, Senior Reporter at Responsible Investor, interviewed Denis Duverne, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of AXA Group.

They discussed environmental investment topics, highlighting AXA's commitment to issue $3 billion in green bonds. This interview was originally published on March 14, 2016, on the Ceres YouTube Channel.

At the U.N. Headquarters in NYC, Vibeka Mair, Senior Reporter at Responsible Investor, interviewed Jens-Christian Stougaard, Director at PensionDanmark. PensionDanmark is a US$30bn Danish Labor Market Pension Fund.

Their discussion focused on clean energy investments, highlighting PensionDanmark's commitment to allocate 10% of its portfolio to direct investments in this sector.

This interview was published on March 14, 2016, by Ceres on their YouTube Channel.

Few U.S. states are actively transforming their economies to meet climate goals aligned with the Paris Agreement. The "Sustainability Pioneers" series showcases New York as a leader in bold climate action. Its "Reforming the Energy Vision" policy targets 50% clean energy by 2030.

The episode also explores grassroots energy transitions at Eco Village At Ithaca and Hunt Country Vineyards in the Finger Lakes. (Published March 17, 2016)

Dr. Kimmerer is a distinguished environmental biologist, author, and mother. She serves as a Distinguished Teaching Professor at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, New York.

She is also the founding Director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment. The Center's mission is to develop programs that integrate indigenous wisdom and scientific knowledge to advance shared sustainability goals.

Indigenous cultures worldwide revere plants as ancient teachers, offering lessons in generosity, creativity, sustainability, and joy. Their living examples inspire how we might live.

Blending Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with botanical science, Potawatomi professor Robin Kimmerer explores what plants teach us and how we can become better students.

Since 1990, Bioneers has served as a vital hub for social and scientific innovators, providing practical solutions for pressing environmental and social challenges.

This excerpt presents Dr. Kimmerer's speech from the Center for Humans and Nature's 2014 Forum on Ethics & Nature. Originally published on EarthSayers.tv on March 15, 2016, the full address is available here.

In her speech, Dr. Kimmerer explores "The Honorable Harvest," offering it as a crucial framework for sustainable living.

Ilarion Larry Merculieff, President of the Global Center for Indigenous Leadership and Lifeways, brings over 40 years of experience serving indigenous peoples, including the Aleuts of the Pribilof Islands.

At the AASHE 2015 Conference & Expo, he shared his vision for transforming sustainability education.

Ilarion (Larry) Merculieff, an author and native community connector, has dedicated nearly four decades to serving the Aleuts of the Pribilof Islands and other indigenous peoples. His extensive experience includes leadership roles as City Manager of St. Paul Island, Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Commerce and Economic Development, and CEO of Tanadgusix Corporation.

Merculieff also chaired The Aleut Corporation and managed the Central Bering Sea Fishermen's Association. As Director of Public Policy and Advocacy for the Rural Alaska Community Action Program, he notably led Alaska's largest subsistence rights march.

Episode 300 of Peak Moment features Carolyn Baker, Ivey Cone, and Janaia discussing how to navigate catastrophic climate change and industrial civilization's decline. They explore keeping hearts open, mutual support, gratitude, and universal powers. Carolyn Baker stresses grieving as essential, linking it to gratitude and love. Ivey Cone focuses on relevant action, while Janaia considers humanity's legacy. Learn more from Carolyn Baker at carolynbaker.net and Ivey Cone at youtube.com/fukicafe.

Join the Peak Moment community! Subscribe to the Peak Moment YouTube channel for post-growth culture, or subscribe to email news and donate here.

Village Vancouver (B.C.) Transition Society, led by Ross Moster, Ann Pacey, and Rand Chatterjee, empowers residents to embrace localized living. They envision the city as a network of neighborhood "villages," encouraging connections that lead to projects like recycling depots, dinner groups, and seed libraries. Their goal is to create a happier, more livable future for the next generation, inviting participation with a sense of fun.

Discover more about grassroots pioneers and post-growth culture by subscribing to the Peak Moment channel on YouTube, where the entire series is available. You can also subscribe to email news or donate here.

Germany's Climate Community Saerbeck, a town of 7,000, offers a global model for sustainable energy independence. Starting climate work in 2009, it produced more renewable energy than it consumed within five years.

Sustainability Pioneers interviews Ralf Fuecks (Heinrich Boll Foundation president) and climate scientist Neil Donahue (Carnegie Mellon University). They discuss carbon footprint reduction and its feasibility in the U.S.

Become a Sustainability Pioneers supporter with a tax-deductible donation. Published on May 14, 2015.

The "Doomsday Clock" stands at three minutes to midnight, reflecting the climate crisis as a threat to humanity as serious as nuclear weapons. While world leaders have largely failed to act, some, like Monaca, Pennsylvania's Borough Manager Mario Leone, Jr., are modeling solutions. Through Mr. Leone's energy-saving strategies, Monaca has reduced utility costs by 25 percent.

Become a Sustainability Pioneers supporter and make a tax-deductible donation at sustainabilitypioneers.com.

Sustainability Pioneers' film, "It Takes a Village," highlights the power of community. Filmmaker Kirsi Jansa visits Butler, Pennsylvania, and Balcombe, UK, where residents are envisioning alternative futures amidst ongoing fossil fuel development.

Environmental lawyer Josh Roberts from Client Earth explains community power as a renewable energy system designed to benefit the broadest population. Support this vision by making a tax-deductible donation to Sustainability Pioneers.

Part 2 of Sustainability Pioneers features companies building a bridge to a renewable energy future. It highlights WindStax Wind Power Systems, which designs and manufactures unique plug-and-play wind power systems for residential and commercial off-grid, microgrid, and supplemental power requirements.

Scalo Solar Solutions, a Pittsburgh-based developer, utilizes solar technology and sustainable building solutions to create opportunities that benefit both the environment and the bottom line. Support our mission by making a tax-deductible donation at sustainabilitypioneers.com.