Biosphere Book Club -- Book #2: Abundance, by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson

Summary: Reflecting on Climate and Environment

When: Mar 25, 2026

Time:23:00 - 00:15

Description

Reflecting on Climate and Environment

Please register HERE.

March 2026 Book:  Abundance, by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson

Of all the books that Energize Acton volunteers display at community events, this book--Abundance, by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson--has generated the most enthusiasm and interest.

The blurb that went out with the book calls it a “once-in-a-generation, paradigm-shifting call to renew a politics of plenty, face up to the failures of liberal governance, and abandon the chosen scarcities that have deformed American life.”  Katherine Sypher, of NPR, writes, “The woes of the world can be paralyzing. It was refreshing, therefore, to be called to action by Abundance. Well-known journalists and podcast hosts Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson argue that, yes, we really can build and invent our way to the better future that we want and need.”

This title focuses largely on politics and economics, but it has many connections to climate and environment. We suggest that you approach the authors’ work with an open, but critical, mind. As with every Book Club text, it is great if you can read the book, but it is not required. The host will prepare a brief outline of the text with key quotes and discussion points constructed in a way that all can participate.  This "reflection packet" and the zoom link will be emailed to you the Firday before we meet. The Biosphere Book Club plans to meet every other month in 2026--January, March, May, July, September, and November. In May, we hope to try an in-person or hybrid meeting.

To whet your thoughts, here are a few initial questions.

• What does abundance mean to you?
• Do you or others in your family experience scarcity? E.g., related to consumer goods, healthcare/health insurance, housing, childcare, etc.?
• Are there ecological and human costs to "the politics of plenty"?
• Have you heard of the concept, “Joy in enough”?

Big questions aside, pour yourself a cup of tea or other beverage, have a good time, and celebrate the written word!

Please register HERE.

EnergizeActon.org is sponsored by the Acton Climate Coalition and the Town of Acton Sustainability Office.

Would you like to help EnergizeActon.org? Contact us at EnergizeActon.org@gmail.com. We meet the first Wednesday of each month. However, there are many non-meeting ways to be involved. Thanks for your support!