Advocating for the Environment: How to Gather Your Power and Take Action, Paperback

What can we as ordinary citizens do about climate change? While countless environmental books focus on the causes of our current crisis, Advocating for the Environment is one of the first to focus on advocacy and policy-based solutions, arming readers with the tools they need to take action and enact change.

In Part I, environmental policy expert Susan Inches discusses storytelling, empathy, mindset, and how effective communication can help us collaborate with others, even those with opposing views. Part II focuses on practical skills like coalition building, media relations, communication strategy, and navigating political and bureaucratic obstacles that block large-scale legislation. The book also includes case studies, research, and templates to deepen learning. Professors and teachers, students, legislators, environmental clubs, and church groups will also find useful ideas and strategies on every page.

About author(s):SUSAN B. INCHES has worked in environmental policy for over 25 years. She served for 14 years as a senior official in Maine state government where she conducted research, designed and led public engagement processes, and drafted, lobbied and passed legislation. Always curious and wanting to learn new things, she's worked on numerous policy issues including renewable energy, energy efficiency, land use planning, the working waterfront, building and energy codes, rural development, rural broadband, and fisheries management.

Inches now works as a consultant, teacher, and advocate with a focus on the environment and climate change. She developed and teaches a unique course called Advocating for the Environment at several private colleges. She also offers public workshops, consulting, and webinars on the same topic. She's an active member of the Sierra Club, the Maine Power for Maine People Coalition, and serves on the boards of First Parish Yarmouth and Defend Our Health.