Paul Hawken

Paul Hawken is an activist, entrepreneur, and author who has made a name for himself by writing extensively on topics related to the environment and economics. He is best known for his holistic approach to understanding sustainability and his focus on environmentalism. He is a highly influential figure in the environmental movement and has inspired countless people to think differently about their impact on the planet.

Born in Santa Monica, California in 1946, Hawken attended various educational institutions across the United States and eventually graduated from UC Berkeley. During this time, he marvelled at the complexity of natural systems, a theme that would later form the basis of his activism. Following a stint in the Marines and a few years in the business world, Hawken moved to Berkeley, where he began pursuing an environmental consciousness.

Hawken's first book, The Ecology of Commerce (1993), aimed to integrate the worlds of business and ecological sustainability. He highlights the idea that companies should not be viewed as "enemies of the environment" – they should be realized as part of the natural system and the potential of commerce used to restore the planet.

Subsequent works have focused on the principles of increasing ecological health and economic justice. His second book, Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution (1999), argued that capitalists should capitalize on the knowledge of how to restore the natural environment by investing in economic systems that use the least resources and create the most value.

Hawken's other books, which continue to shed light on important environmental and economic issues, include Blessed Unrest (2007), which explored the power of global grassroots movements; Drawdown (2017), which focuses on solutions to global warming; and Warfare: A Carrot Not a Stick (2020), which calls for a transition away from militarization and toward more benign models of collaboration and coexistence.

Hawken is also the co-founder of the nonprofit organization Wiser Earth, which is dedicated to connecting people who share a common passion for sustainability and creating tangible solutions to global challenges. Through Wiser Earth, Hawken has been able to reach a wider audience and spread his message of conservation and environmental responsibility.

In addition to his work through Wiser Earth and his other influential books, Hawken is an outspoken advocate for social and environmental justice. His activism for sustainability is as impressive as his writings, as evidenced by his involvement in such organizations as the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Rocky Mountain Institute, and 1 Sky.

Hawken has been honored with numerous awards for his environmental work, including the United Nations Environment Program Global 500 Award, the Rainforest Action Network Activist of the Year, and the Biomimicry Innovation Award. Through his writing, activism, and influence, Hawken has raised awareness about the need to create a more sustainable and just world.