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Natural Connection: Six Roots of Environmental Wisdom and Action
Not yet published
Expected 12 May 26A new pathway to a thriving future rooted in our relationships with the living world and each other
Reimagining environmentalism as an act of doing and a way of being in the world and climate action as a shared goal, not an individual burden, Natural Connection draws on the legacies and ongoing resistance of marginalised communities around the globe to guide us toward a more sustainable relationship with the living world.
Joycelyn Longdon defines six conceptual roots—rage, imagination, innovation, theory, healing and care—that can help us to transform environmentalism from the ground up and cultivate the natural connection so essential to creating a safe and thriving shared future. Rage is a necessary response to systems of oppression but impedes progress if it isn’t transformed into action. Imagination is essential to resisting the logics of colonialism and exploitation. Theory is a means of building collective wisdom. Longdon illuminates these and other principles, practices and teachings, highlighting the voices and stories of marginalised communities who have revolutionized the landscape of environmentalism, such as the Afro-Indigenous Brazilian quilombolas who fought to defend their ancestral lands, Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine of Nigeria who lost their lives in the struggle against environmental destruction by fossil fuel giants, and the women of the Indian Himalayas who sparked a mass movement of nonviolent protest against deforestation by hugging trees. Along the way, this lyrical, provocative and deeply humane book interweaves powerfully resonant ideas from writers, philosophers, environmentalists, activists and other changemakers, such as Rebecca Solnit, Poppy Okotcha, Robert Macfarlane, Katherine May and Olafur Eliasson.
Rooted in the profound knowledge that we only have each other and the earth itself, Natural Connection cultivates hope in growing a better future together.
Reimagining environmentalism as an act of doing and a way of being in the world and climate action as a shared goal, not an individual burden, Natural Connection draws on the legacies and ongoing resistance of marginalised communities around the globe to guide us toward a more sustainable relationship with the living world.
Joycelyn Longdon defines six conceptual roots—rage, imagination, innovation, theory, healing and care—that can help us to transform environmentalism from the ground up and cultivate the natural connection so essential to creating a safe and thriving shared future. Rage is a necessary response to systems of oppression but impedes progress if it isn’t transformed into action. Imagination is essential to resisting the logics of colonialism and exploitation. Theory is a means of building collective wisdom. Longdon illuminates these and other principles, practices and teachings, highlighting the voices and stories of marginalised communities who have revolutionized the landscape of environmentalism, such as the Afro-Indigenous Brazilian quilombolas who fought to defend their ancestral lands, Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine of Nigeria who lost their lives in the struggle against environmental destruction by fossil fuel giants, and the women of the Indian Himalayas who sparked a mass movement of nonviolent protest against deforestation by hugging trees. Along the way, this lyrical, provocative and deeply humane book interweaves powerfully resonant ideas from writers, philosophers, environmentalists, activists and other changemakers, such as Rebecca Solnit, Poppy Okotcha, Robert Macfarlane, Katherine May and Olafur Eliasson.
Rooted in the profound knowledge that we only have each other and the earth itself, Natural Connection cultivates hope in growing a better future together.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 12, 2026
20 people want to read
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April 20, 2026Natural Connection is a thoughtful and forward looking exploration of environmentalism that reframes it as both a collective responsibility and a way of being.
In this work, Joycelyn Longdon presents a compelling framework built around six “roots”rage, imagination, innovation, theory, healing, and care each offering a different lens through which to understand and engage with climate action.
One of the book’s most notable strengths is its shift away from individualistic narratives. Instead of placing the burden solely on personal choices, it emphasizes collective action and interconnected responsibility, which feels both timely and necessary.
The structure built around the six roots provides clarity while allowing for depth. Each concept is explored not just theoretically, but through real world examples and lived experiences, making the ideas more tangible and applicable.
The inclusion of voices and histories from marginalized communities adds significant weight to the book. By highlighting movements and figures such as Ken Saro Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine, the narrative grounds its arguments in real struggles and resistance, reinforcing the importance of justice within environmental discourse.
Another strength is the balance between critique and hope. While the book does not shy away from addressing systemic issues and historical injustices, it consistently points toward possibility, encouraging readers to imagine and work toward a different future.
The writing style is both lyrical and accessible, making complex ideas easier to engage with while maintaining intellectual depth.
Thematically, the book explores connection between people, communities, and the natural world. It suggests that meaningful environmental action begins with recognizing and nurturing these relationships.
Overall, Natural Connection is an insightful and inspiring work that challenges conventional approaches to environmentalism while offering a more inclusive and hopeful path forward.
In this work, Joycelyn Longdon presents a compelling framework built around six “roots”rage, imagination, innovation, theory, healing, and care each offering a different lens through which to understand and engage with climate action.
One of the book’s most notable strengths is its shift away from individualistic narratives. Instead of placing the burden solely on personal choices, it emphasizes collective action and interconnected responsibility, which feels both timely and necessary.
The structure built around the six roots provides clarity while allowing for depth. Each concept is explored not just theoretically, but through real world examples and lived experiences, making the ideas more tangible and applicable.
The inclusion of voices and histories from marginalized communities adds significant weight to the book. By highlighting movements and figures such as Ken Saro Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine, the narrative grounds its arguments in real struggles and resistance, reinforcing the importance of justice within environmental discourse.
Another strength is the balance between critique and hope. While the book does not shy away from addressing systemic issues and historical injustices, it consistently points toward possibility, encouraging readers to imagine and work toward a different future.
The writing style is both lyrical and accessible, making complex ideas easier to engage with while maintaining intellectual depth.
Thematically, the book explores connection between people, communities, and the natural world. It suggests that meaningful environmental action begins with recognizing and nurturing these relationships.
Overall, Natural Connection is an insightful and inspiring work that challenges conventional approaches to environmentalism while offering a more inclusive and hopeful path forward.
Displaying 1 of 1 review