In this open discussion, Bill discussed his experience as a climate change activist, his books, and how ordinary people, especially of his generation, can get involved to make a difference in their communities.

What have we learned from the decades-long struggle to address the climate crisis? How are the impacts of climate change and the over-use of natural resources linked to social justice? How do we re-engage activism from people who are in their 60s and remind them of their American Dream and to fight for our common future?

Bill McKibben is one of our nation’s most influential environmental activists. He founded the global grassroots climate campaign 350.org, serves as the Schumann Distinguished Scholar in Environmental Studies at Middlebury College, has won the Gandhi Peace Prize, was awarded the Right Livelihood Award in the Swedish Parliament – sometimes called the alternative Nobel – and was the recipient of the annual Puffin/Nation Prize for Creative Citizenship.

Bill is a prolific writer and has penned over 20 books–including The End of Nature (1989) regarded as the first book for a general audience about global warming. His new book, The Flag, the Cross, and the Station Wagon: A Graying American Looks Back at His Suburban Boyhood and Wonders What the Hell Happened, is a call-to-arms. He digs deep into our history and the environmental crisis and takes an honest look at how our country may have failed to realize the mythic American Dream of the 1950's for many of its citizens.

Located on the historic Rondout waterfront, the Hudson River Maritime Museum was established in 1979 and is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the maritime history of the Hudson River, its tributaries, and related industries. For more information, including museum hours and parking information, please visit www.hrmm.org.