Epilogue

This book is about the worries our team heard and translated into the ADAPT framework; the crises that result from those worries that will produce irreversible consequences across the world if we don’t act now; and the argument for why we have a mere ten years to midnight with the clock ticking. Yet I believe there is reason not to despair. Many times in our history we have seen that when a common enemy emerges, people come together in significant collaboration to restore balance. We are at such a point now. I hope that readers realize I see our future through an optimistic lens.

At the same time, the need to rethink our course has never been more obvious—or more urgent. Everyone should participate in this. Every step taken by each individual is precious and should be taken with intention, from the small and individual constructive actions we all can embrace by adjusting our daily lives, changing our behaviors, and building new and more responsible habits, to the massive, fast solutions leaders should be chasing that could positively influence and improve the lives of thousands or millions of people. No one is exempt from the need to act. Please decide what role you will play and get to it.