1. Mary Robinson, Former President of Ireland and UN Special Envoy on Climate Change

One of the world’s most respected advocates for climate justice and Ireland’s first woman President, Mary Robinson leads the Mary Robinson Foundation—Climate Justice, a center for thought leadership, education and advocacy for the poor and disempowered in the world that are disproportionately threatened by climate change. A sought-after speaker whose TED Talk received a standing ovation, President Robinson has moved audiences around the world with her passionate and hopeful call for all nations to work together to fight for a sustainable future. Her upcoming book, Climate Justice, has received glowing reviews from former world leaders and the environmental and human rights community. Barack Obama, awarding Robinson the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom, praised her as an “advocate for the forgotten and the ignored”, noting that she has “not only shone a light on human suffering, but illuminated a better future for our world.”

2. Mustafa Santiago Ali, Senior Vice President of Climate, Environmental Justice, & Community Revitalization, Hip Hop Caucus

Mustafa Santiago Ali is a renowned speaker, policy maker, community liaison, trainer, advocate, and critical thinker. Mustafa specializes in social and environmental justice issues and is focused on a utilizing a holistic approach to revitalizing vulnerable communities. He joined Hip Hop Caucus in 2017, after working 24 years at the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where he most recently served as Senior Advisor to the Administrator for Environmental Justice and Community Revitalization. Throughout his career he has worked directly with over 500 domestic and international communities to improve lives by addressing environmental, health, and economic injustices. He holds a honorary doctorate degree from both the Vermont Law School and Green Mountain College.

Portrait of Bill McKibben, author and activist. photo ©Nancie Battaglia

3. Bill McKibben, Founder, 350.org

Bill is the founder of the environmental organization 350.org and was among the first to have warned of the dangers of global warming. He is the author of fifteen books, including the bestsellers The End of NatureEaarth, and Deep Economy. He is the Schumann Distinguished Scholar in Environmental Studies at Middlebury College and the winner of the Gandhi Prize, the Thomas Merton Prize, and the Right Livelihood Prize. He lives in Vermont.

4. Collaboration+Abundance

The Living Future unConference brings together the leading minds of regenerative design, green building, and sustainable architecture. This is where introductions are made, ideas flow, and inspiration is sparked. Don’t miss out on this once-a-year opportunity to meet peers and thought-leaders alike who value the planet and each other. From chatting between sessions to meeting on the afterparty dance floor, there are ample opportunities at Living Future to make connections that last.

5. Stay at the New Hyatt Regency in Seattle

Seattle’s new downtown hotel is walking distance to the city’s most iconic attractions, including the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and Chihuly Garden and Glass. Venture farther and immerse yourself in the Pacific Northwest’s incredible landscapes, like Bainbridge Island, Mount Rainier National Park, and beyond.

Register for the Living Future unConference, April 30-May 3, 2019, online at unconference.living-future.org/registration. We’ll see you there!

Written By