Our Only Home: A Climate Appeal to the World

The Dalai Lama and Franz Alt collaborate again after 2017’s An Appeal to the World, this time with a focus on climate change. This slim volume is written in support of young climate activists and intended to urge politicians to address the immediacy of global warming. To the Dalai Lama, environmental issues are beyond any one religious or political affiliation, and it is humankind’s ethical responsibility to make the necessary changes to ensure our survival. The first two sections are written by Alt, giving a wide view of climate change and global activism efforts. The third section presents the Dalai Lama’s support of environmental issues. After lengthy interviews between the two authors regarding the ethics of caring for the environment, a poem by the Dalai Lama is presented. In conversation, the authors also reflect on topics including the 2106 Paris Agreement and the concept of universal responsibility. Further reflections by Alt conclude the book, and action points for individuals and governments are included.