Environmentalist and entrepreneur Paul Hawken spoke to a crowd of more than 300 people at the Otter Student Union on Wednesday, Oct. 26. 

An author and activist who has dedicated his life to environmental sustainability and changing the relationship between business and the environment, Hawken detailed some of his ideas for ending the climate crisis in a single generation. The event was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Monterey Cannery Row and Communities for Sustainable Monterey County.

Cathy Rivera is president of CSMC. She said Hawken spoke about the idea that social and environmental equity are inseparable. He suggested solutions to the climate crisis are not to be found in public policy meetings, but rather at gatherings such as Wednesday night’s event.