Why Subscribe to The Planet?
Welcome to The Planet newsletter, your guide to understanding our intricate relationship with our Earth. We are isolated in an unimaginably vast, dark, and cold universe where our Planet shines brightly. But its beauty and abundance come with responsibilities, and the challenge of sharing and preserving our world has never been more urgent.
This thought is the central theme for The Planet newsletter, where I invite you on a journey to:
Understand the Threats to Our Planet
Delve into critical issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, urgent realities that demand our attention.
Celebrate the Beauty of Our Planet
Writing about our Planet's challenges is only meaningful when we recognize the beauty at stake. Join me in appreciating the wonders of nature, from the serenity of hiking trails in the outdoors to the vibrant life in our cities and the art we create.
Explore the Importance of Good Governance
With nearly 8 billion people sharing this small Planet, responsible governance is crucial for preserving its resources and beauty. After two decades of climate advocacy, my greatest frustration lies in the gap between solutions and action. We know what needs to be done, but the challenge lies in compelling action from our leaders.
My newsletters weave together news, opinions, history, and personal experiences as I navigate the complexities of our world. I share my journey through the mess we've made, the beauty I've found, and my reflections on politics.
From walking the ancient pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain to tracing the Colorado River from its source to the Mexican border, my travels are rich with stories that reveal our Planet's challenges and splendor.
When I return to my island home in the Netherlands for some weeks or during prolonged stays in places like Ottawa, Canada, or Oslo, Norway, I shift from a global perspective to a local one, exploring how climate change directly impacts life here. Whether it's drought in the dunes or the beauty of the local wetlands, I capture these themes through a personal lens, just as I share the beauty I encounter.
Having traveled extensively—from my early days as a backpacker in the 1980s to a quarter-century as a diplomat and later as an international public speaker and writer of stories—I find myself returning to my roots. I've traded in my suits for a backpack, and my travel stories reflect the same themes of challenge and beauty, offering insights from a local perspective.
Join us!
Today, nearly half a million followers engage with me on social media, and about 5,000 people have joined our community here on Substack. As Substack evolves into a vibrant social media platform, I'm excited to focus my efforts here, where I discover the most compelling stories and enjoy respectful interactions with readers.
By subscribing to The Planet newsletter, you join our community and gain access to exclusive content, the ability to comment, full access to the archives, and a welcoming space within this Planet family. Together, let's explore, celebrate, and advocate for the beauty and health of our shared home.
Join us today!
