She called out the adults who should be safeguarding the sustainability of life on this planet.

On the day of this post, the young environmentalist Greta Thunberg addressed the United Nations Climate Action Summit in one of the most moving and earnest five minute speeches any of us might ever hear.

That’s an impossible act to follow, but the talks and readings gathered here reflect a similar earnestness. They speak to what it means to be human now, from various points of view, in this region we call Cascadia in particular.

The speakers include poets Martha Silano, Shin Yu Pai and Robert Lashley reading from their work; climate scientist Sarah Myhre reading from her essay on feminist climate leadership; and journalist and sex columnist Karin Jones on her experience of modern polyamory.

This ‘Evening of Words & Ideas’ was hosted by Cascadia Magazine on September 13 at The Rendezvous’ Jewelbox Theater in Belltown.

Please note: This recording contains unedited language of an adult nature.