SAGE honored best-selling author Paul Hawken as its 2016 Visiting SAGE. Hawken is a world-renown environmentalist, entrepreneur, and author on sustainability. Presenting to over 400 guests, he spotlighted his newest initiative, Project Drawdown, a non-profit that is mapping and modeling 100 existing, substantive solutions to reverse climate change. When implemented globally and at scale over the next thirty years, these solutions will forge a pathway to solve the climate crisis and result in more security, more prosperity, more jobs and better health.
Paul Hawken is one of the environmental movement’s leading voices, and a pioneering architect of corporate reform with respect to ecological practices. His work includes founding successful, ecologically conscious businesses, writing about the impacts of commerce on living systems, and consulting with heads of state and CEOs on sustainability. He has written seven books including four national bestsellers: The Next Economy, Growing a Business, The Ecology of Commerce and Blessed Unrest.
At the event, Hawken shared a personal and authoritative look at the “state-of-the-shelf” solutions to reverse climate change that are widely practiced, commonly available, economically viable, and scientifically valid. Recapping the event, Steve Higgs, Executive Director of SAGE, said “Hawken delivered a powerful message of hope for this generation and the next – the solutions are here and we can solve this problem! SAGE is providing concrete opportunities to tackle this problem in Oregon.”
The purpose of the Visiting SAGE program is to spotlight visionaries who inspire people to serve and advocate for younger and future generations. The title sponsor for this year’s event was Beneficial State Bank, and co-sponsors included Portland State University Institute for Sustainable Solutions and the Oregon State Bar Sustainable Future Section.
Promotional sponsors and other supporters included Climate Solutions, Ecotrust, Literary Arts, Northwest Earth Institute, Oregon Environmental Council, 350pdx, World Affairs Council of Oregon, and Oregon Interfaith Power & Light (a program of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon), Oregonian Media Group, First Congregational United Church of Christ, and Et Fille Wines.