As a way of marking its 30th anniversary, Orion magazine asked 30 writers and environmental leaders to consider what we need to build a better future on our planet. Their answers comprise a new book, Thirty Year Plan, which Orion launched on Sunday, July 8, at Bascom Lodge, atop Mt. Greylock in Adams, Massachusetts. Two contributors to the book – New Yorker writer Elizabeth Kolbert and Ginger Strand, author of Inventing Niagara – joined Orion editor Jennifer Sahn and environmental activist and Orion contributor Bill McKibben for a panel discussion on the premise of the book. Though the discussion was scheduled to take place inside of Bascom Lodge, an overflow crowd of more than 150 meant the talk was held outdoors in a wildflower meadow, an entirely appropriate change of venue. It’s clear that finding the answers to this question is not only an engaging mental exercise, but also essential to tackling many of the toughest challenges we collectively face. And so we pose it to you: What one thing do we humans need if we are to find a way to live happily, sustainably, and redeemably on earth for the next 30 years? To entice you to provide your thoughts, Rural Intelligence will give away two copies of Thirty Year Plan, one each to two respondents chosen at random. Please provide your answer by clicking on the comment section, below, by Wednesday, July 18. We will announce the winners next Thursday, July 19, in our weekly e-newsletter and on the Rural Intelligence facebook page and Twitter feed. If you don't win, no need to fret. Thirty Year Plan is available at The Bookloft, or pick up a copy at the Orion office at 187 Main Street, both in Great Barrington.
