Join The Commonwealth Club and UC Berkeley’s Townsend Center for "Climate Change and Sacred Groves," part of a series on catastrophe and the present. Scholar Sugata Ray and artist Ranu Mukherjee

Join The Commonwealth Club and UC Berkeley’s Townsend Center for "Climate Change and Sacred Groves," part of a series on catastrophe and the present. Scholar Sugata Ray and artist Ranu Mukherjee will discuss the natural world's relationship with the sacred in India, especially in the Anthropocene.

Ray, author of *Climate Change and the Art of Devotion*, examines ecologically grounded theology. Mukherjee's art focuses on ecology and culture, often featuring the banyan tree. Their conversation will prompt reflection on art's role in contemporary climate, health, and sacred concerns.

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Claudiu Murgan's latest science fiction novel, *Water Entanglement*, explores water as a living, angry force. Set in 2055, limnologist Cherry Mortinger (Hayyin) leads a revolution against

Claudiu Murgan's latest science fiction novel, *Water Entanglement*, explores water as a living, angry force. Set in 2055, limnologist Cherry Mortinger (Hayyin) leads a revolution against corporations abusing the earth's water, aiming to prove its memory and overwhelming rage.

Murgan, a Romanian-born Canadian author, crafts an imaginative tale that brings awareness to the very real water crisis. Fifty percent of royalties from *Water Entanglement* will benefit Project Aware: www.projectaware.org.

On October 18, Dr. Sharon Blackie explored stories, myths, and archetypes, illustrating the transformative power of inner inquiry to shift the collective mindset. The interactive session

On October 18, Dr. Sharon Blackie explored stories, myths, and archetypes, illustrating the transformative power of inner inquiry to shift the collective mindset. The interactive session emphasized how solitude and nature deepen our sense of kinship, concluding with a challenge to consider foundational shifts for metamorphosis.

Dr. Blackie is an award-winning writer, psychologist, and mythologist, focusing on reimagining women's stories and the relevance of myths today. Learn more about her work: sharonblackie.net. Karen Doyle Grossman, Executive Director for the Garrison Institute, previously founded MicroMentor, the world's largest community of entrepreneurs and mentors: micromentor.org.

This episode of The Work We Do features Lauren Phillips from the FAO, who discusses the critical role of women and youth in transforming agrifood systems. The conversation explores women's

This episode of The Work We Do features Lauren Phillips from the FAO, who discusses the critical role of women and youth in transforming agrifood systems. The conversation explores women's contributions, persistent gaps in land, finance, and opportunities, and why progress remains uneven despite decades of policy reform. It also addresses youth participation, the global challenge of youth unemployment—disproportionately affecting young women—and the International Year of the Woman Farmer.

The episode further examines the financing gap in agrifood systems, making an economic case for investing in women and youth. Such investments are crucial for driving inclusive growth, resilience, and food security. Key FAO reports are referenced throughout the discussion.

Key reports discussed in this episode:

• The Status of Women in Agrifood Systems (2023)
• The Status of Youth in Agrifood Systems (2025)
• The Unjust Climate (2024)
• Financing Food for a Better Future (2025)

This talk features a young innovator and entrepreneur presenting a green solution to the massive socio-environmental problem of crop burning in Northern India. He is the founder and CEO of Craste,

This talk features a young innovator and entrepreneur presenting a green solution to the massive socio-environmental problem of crop burning in Northern India. He is the founder and CEO of Craste, a TechStars company, which operates on the principle of “maximum efficiency, zero waste” and develops pioneering materials from leftover biomass.

A Chemical Engineering graduate from Imperial College London, he was invited to Buckingham Palace by Queen Elizabeth II for his achievements. He has received numerous accolades, including the BIRAC SoCH Innovation award. Additionally, he founded Gramiksha, a non-profit focused on youth mobilization in education, at age 19.

This presentation was delivered at a TEDx event. Learn more at ted.com/tedx.

Dr. Prasad Rao advocates for a safe, clean transport system, citing vehicle carbon emissions as a major environmental threat. He urges global adherence to the Paris Agreement, fostering collective

Dr. Prasad Rao advocates for a safe, clean transport system, citing vehicle carbon emissions as a major environmental threat. He urges global adherence to the Paris Agreement, fostering collective commitment. To inspire future generations, he established Eco-Clubs in his institutions, empowering young minds for sustainability.

Dr. Rao, Founder and Chairman of Paramita Group of Institutions, I.R.I.S World School, and Explorica, is a distinguished educational leader. He advises prominent school associations, providing quality education to thousands. He champions holistic education, mentoring, and adapting to global changes, believing these nurture talent and foster child-centric learning.

This talk was given at a TEDx event. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

The Women’s Earth and Climate Network (WECAN) hosted the Global Women’s Assembly for Climate Justice: Path to COP30 and Beyond from June 23-28, 2025. This virtual forum united over 125

The Women’s Earth and Climate Network (WECAN) hosted the Global Women’s Assembly for Climate Justice: Path to COP30 and Beyond from June 23-28, 2025. This virtual forum united over 125 grassroots and frontline women leaders, advocates, and policymakers from 50 countries, offering 25 panels with diverse strategies for a healthy, just world. Interpretation was provided in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Learn more: wecaninternational.org/womens-assembly

Among the key sessions was "On Fire! Youth Leading the Way," held on June 26th. Moderated by Niria Alicia Garcia, the panel featured prominent youth climate and human rights activists: Mitzi Jonelle Tan, Maria Reyes, Samaï Malaïca Gualinga, and Xiye Bastida. Resources from this and other panels are available here: Assembly Resources

Joey Wu's personal experience with water scarcity in Taiwan ignited his passion for clean water access. Later, as an undergraduate, he designed a PFAS water filter. However, he learned that

Joey Wu's personal experience with water scarcity in Taiwan ignited his passion for clean water access. Later, as an undergraduate, he designed a PFAS water filter. However, he learned that technical solutions alone are insufficient; they require community trust and socio-cultural buy-in for effective adoption.

In 2022, Wu launched Waterroots, a youth-led climate literacy initiative. It empowers young leaders in water-stressed regions to bridge the gap between technical solutions and community needs, inspiring locally-driven action. Waterroots has grown into a digital community with over 50 members across 25 countries, sharing their water stories through platforms like YouTube. Wu mentors these leaders, fostering global conversations on our shared planetary future.