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Kevin Emerson's avatar

I'm not graduating (I did that for the 2nd time back in 2005), but after reading this powerful post I am (re)commencing the work I do on clean energy and building decarbonization policy in Utah. Thank you for sharing your perspective and wisdom!

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Ayana Elizabeth Johnson's avatar

Wow, that’s such important work. Cheering you on!

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jennifer dibley's avatar

What the h is wrong with carbon?? No one can explained that. We are carbon beings. Trees and plants give off carbon dioxide and then reabsorb it There are so many other noxious gases in atmosphere that need addressing not the ones from humans and trees Don’t you see the agenda here?

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BexLou's avatar

I'm not a graduate. I'm 59 yrs old, and sometimes feel that I'm too late to make a difference in this world in a meaningful way. Your words are so inspiring and I will hold them close to my heart going forward from today. Thank you ❤️

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Ayana Elizabeth Johnson's avatar

You are absolutely not too late. Thank you for reading 💛

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Julie Morrison's avatar

Inspiring! I’m a 62 year old grandma, currently rolled in an on-line course at Bennington College on Plastics and Human Health. My intention is to advocate and work for the elimination of single use plastic. We can all make a difference no matter how old we are, but we sure do need young voices and energy to pick up the torch.

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Susan Coleman's avatar

And this means dismantling patriarchy, as it and the extractive economy are inextricably linked.

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jennifer dibley's avatar

Oh my gosh. Blame men for everything

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Susan Coleman's avatar

Hey there. Not at all. Blame a system of patriarchy, understand what it is, understand how so many women are complacent with it, and the wonderful consequences for everyone if we move beyond it. Please read my posts or upcoming book if interested. susancoleman.substack.com

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jennifer dibley's avatar

I’ve worked under some evil power hungry women. Women bosses can be the worst! I remember classified ads men / women. I remember all the manager jobs were men and all the women’s managerial jobs were administrative secretary or assistant manager. I remember being asked if I intended to get pregnant. I remember all the patriarchal ridiculousness but I experienced worse working conditions under women inflexible power hungry rigid angry women esp if they were DEI

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Lindsay Dahl's avatar

Love this so much, thanks for sharing. Also we have a lot of shared colleagues at Patagonia :)

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Claire Datnow's avatar

Ayana, I am an octogenarian, author of cli-fi for upper elementary and middle grade readers, your commencement speech motivates me to keep writing in the hope of inspiring the next generation of wise conversationists to protect and heal the Earth. Clairedatnow.com

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Jorge Partidas A.'s avatar

BAD SOVEREIGNTY, perhaps the main cause of global warming.

Please visit EARTHABOVEALL.NET

COP-CHICO-MENDES and not COP30. Jorge Partidas A

jorgepartidas@gmail.com

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