Replenishing the Earth: Spiritual Values for Healing Ourselves and the World

Nobel Peace laureate Maathai (Unbowed) returns with a call for a reconnection to the planet and its inhabitants, expanding upon the practical and spiritual mission behind the Green Belt Movement. Formed by Maathai in 1977 (and chronicled in her 2003 book), GBM's efforts include planting crops and trees, collecting rainwater, and building and maintaining sand dams that provide water during the dry season. Maathai outlines the four core values of the organization—love for the environment; gratitude and respect for Earth's resources; self-empowerment and self-betterment; the spirit of service and volunteerism—and explains how these efforts have helped heal the earth and empower women in Africa and beyond. At the heart of her message is a demand for a new level of environmental consciousness and concern. Maathai provides the movement's history, examines the relevance of its core values to people everywhere, and relates the journey she took as a goodwill ambassador for an initiative to protect the Congo Basin forest. With passion, wisdom, and calm, Maathai issues a renewed call that might enlighten those who still dispute that we are in a state of ecological crisis. (Sept. 14)