Being the Change: Live Well and Spark a Climate Revolution

That dumpster diving, meditation, capitalism, alienation, frequent flier programs, infidelity, human feces, love, death and the Salvation Army should all find their way – seamlessly – into a book whose apparent subject matter is climate change speaks volumes about its ambition. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I will view virtually EVERYTHING differently for having read it.I was stunned by the unvarnished assessment of our climate predicament. Though reasonably well read on the subject and clear-eyed about its gravity, I had unwittingly avoided its harshest truths. The author's first reference to "grieving" caught me slightly off guard. By book’s end I grasped the use of the term for all its portent and found myself awash in precisely that emotion.The breadth of subject matter is staggering: It goes places virtually impossible to anticipate, some funny, some odd and some terrifying. But the truth it tells and the prescription it provides are nothing short of profound. I can't recommend it highly enough.

I bought this hoping for an in depth look at how to 'walk the walk'. I was hoping to hear new ideas on 'living green' and ideas I could put to use. But that section of the book was more of an overview, with ideas that have been around for awhile (composting, humanure, riding bikes, permaculture), nothing really new to see there. The chapters on how climate change actually works were informative, but too wordy and technical, I ended up skipping over most of it. It was not worded in simple terms or even that easy to understand. The rest of the book was a little preachy and philosophical, instructing the readers on how to meditate and how to be awake. I do not disagree at all with the message of the book, but I'm not sure if it's something that can be explained and then followed. Being woke seems like it's a more complicated journey, and I am not sure if you can coax people into waking up....but I have to give the guy credit for trying:} My favorite part of the whole book was the blunt message that we need to stop burning fossil fuels. We all sit around and hope that technology will pull us out of this mess, but that's lazy and too convenient. Maybe how we do 'wake up' is to stop having technology cater to our every whim??? The book was 'just okay' for me, I probably won't read it again.

A beautiful book. A disclaimer; I know Peter and am very fond of he and his wife. Since I can’t unknow him and refuse to relinquish the fondness I have for the family I thought it fair that you, the reader, should be informed.Peter is an extremely intelligent and well educated author. Those qualities along with his sincerity, goodwill and humor are apparent in his writing. I found “Being the Change” a very enjoyable read.The first part is dense with science. From his studies and research at Harvard, Columbia and California Tech and his work at NASA he has amassed an abundance of knowledge that he shares good naturedly in a straightforward way with his readers. This is information we should all be introduced to because it will and is already having important impact on our lives. Pete’s book offers it up in as painless a way as possible. Like a child’s cough medicine. Easy to swallow but still doing the trick.The second part of the book was pure enjoyment. It is a glimpse into the life of a conscientious human being doing his best to do the right thing. Pete tells his story and the changes he put himself and his family through with honesty and humor. I doubt sincerely that many of us will venture out as far on the limb of daily living as Pete has but I also doubt that anyone reading this book will be unmoved by his journey. Perhaps moved enough to do what they consider their part in the struggle that we face in trying to protect our planet for ourselves and for the future generations. And that is, after all, Pete’s motivation for writing it.For instance, I as a New Yorker, do not see myself raising chickens or keeping bees in my apartment. Not to mention setting up a humanure toilet. (That must violate some New York City housing law?) But he did get me seriously considering my carbon footprint and asking myself some serious questions as to my own obligations. Especially, since I recently had the good fortune of becoming a grandfather. That little fellow will be needing a good healthy world to live and raise a family in. I bought my daughter and son-in-law a copy so they might be better informed on how to do their parts too.Peter has a gift as a writer and the courage to hold himself up to scrutiny in order to make his points. I applaud the effort and highly recommend this book to all who will listen.Abe de la Houssaye

Reliance on cheap energy from fossil fuels and the aggressive pursuit of economic growth have led to a human predicament whose dimensions are environmental degradation, resource depletion and overpopulation. Awareness of the consequences tends to trigger strong reactions of either denial or despair. This book deals constructively with both reactions.The first part of the book describes the predicament in ways that combine a big-picture perspective with scientific detail and insights. Although confirmed climate change deniers will not read it, anyone with an open mind who can follow logical arguments will find the first six chapters of the book to be a concise and convincing introduction of the predicament of climate change.The second part of the book deals with individual responses to reactions of despair, hopelessness and irrelevance. The basic idea is that individuals can live in ways that are congruent with their values and beliefs, and that doing so promotes a sense of existential well-being. The author illustrates this idea with specific examples from his own life. Some ideas, such as the benefits of achieving mindfulness through meditation are of general applicability. Others, such as converting an ancient Mercedes to run on discarded vegetable oil, require more of a hands-on, can-do attitude than this reader is capable of - but it was very interesting to read about them.This is book that has helped me to make positive changes in my own life.

This book changed my life. As a life coach I ve even recommended it to my followers and clients. Its a fantastic read. Beyond insightful,moving and inspiring. I look at and have changed my daily actions after it, have changed my perspective and am much happier in my life because of this wonderful,wonderful man named Peter Kalmus. He s the Greta Thunberg that we re not aware of. The genuine article that practices what he preaches. I ll be ever grateful to Peter for freeing me of my ego that little bit more and bringing back once again my child like wonder for the magnificent world we live that we take for granted and for reigniting the fire in my heart to protect it. Thank you Peter Kalmus for all you do for us and the beautiful planet and thanks for this wonderful read.

Excellent book

Game-changer. I think everyone should read this book.

I've read several books about climate change, and this was by far the most inspiring in terms of how we can take action both individually AND collectively to tackle this huge challenge, and on the link between individual and collective action. I strongly recommend it!