The Future We Choose, authored by the architects of the 2015 Paris Agreement, presents a stark vision of the "critical decade" that will define the fate of humanity. Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac argue that our current trajectory, marked by the unbridled extraction and burning of fossil fuels, is leading toward an uninhabitable world of rising oceans, mass dislocation, and political unrest. They present two contrasting scenarios for 2050: one dystopian, where we failed to connect the dots between ecosystem destruction and human safety, and one vibrant, where we took decisive action to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The authors emphasize that "who we understand ourselves to be determines the choice we will make" and that this choice is both simple and urgent.
The book outlines three essential mindsets for navigating this crisis: Stubborn Optimism, Endless Abundance, and Radical Regeneration. "Stubborn Optimism" is defined not as a passive hope but as a tenacious commitment to solve big challenges by focusing on positive thoughts while clearly seeing the real issues. "Endless Abundance" challenges the perception of a zero-sum world, arguing that collaboration is the only option in a resource-constrained planet. Finally, "Radical Regeneration" advocates for the rewilding of nature and the restoration of the human spirit through meditation and grounding. Together, these mindsets empower every generation to move beyond climate anxiety and into the active creation of a thriving future.
The Choice of the Century: The message of Figueres and Rivett-Carnac is rooted in the belief that while the biosphere has been permanently altered, "the full story has not been written". The goal of halving global emissions by 2030 is presented as the "absolute minimum" required to safeguard humanity. This requires a total shift in thinking, moving away from an attitude of exploitation and disposal toward one of connection and stewardship. The Sacred Canopy of Care is essentially built upon this "radical regeneration," where humanity recognizes its intimate connection to nature—from the air we breathe to the waste we leave behind. By adopting these mindsets, leaders can navigate the "moment of consequence" with the intention to be good in the world.
The Future We Choose supports the Sacred Canopy of Care by providing the ethical and psychological fortitude (Stubborn Optimism) necessary to lead through uncertainty while anchoring our efforts in the regeneration of both people and the planet.