This Civilisation is Finished: a conversation with Rupert Read

If, as philosopher, Green party activist, University Professor and XR activist, Rupert Read is right, our civilisation is finished. We'll either collapse, or transform to the point of being unrecognisable. So... this being the case, what can we do? Rupert Read is one of our generation's greatest, and deepest green thinkers. Join us in this discussion of how we can move forward.

Rupert Read is convinced that societal collapse is inevitable - and near. And that this is White Swan effect - it's not remotely surprising or coming out of left field. So this being the case, we need to act - we have a choice between crashing into extinction OR moving forward to a transformation of our culture and society so profound that what transpires bears no resemblance to the current society.

Given that this is the case, what can we do? In this lively, dynamic conversation with Rupert Rea, we delve into the topic of Deep Adaptation, Transformative Adaptation and the various routes to a different future. We explore the routes Extinction Rebellion could take to avoid 'rushing the rebellion' and look forward at ways we could craft the world we need to see.

Biography: Prof. Rupert Read is one of the definitive spokespersons on ‘The Collapse’. He is the co-author of This Civilisation is Finished. The book describes how Industrial civilisation has no future. It requires limitless economic growth on a finite planet. The reckless combustion of fossil fuels means that Earth’s climate is changing disastrously in ways that cannot be resolved by piecemeal reform or technological innovation…. Unless humanity does something beautiful and unprecedented, the ending of industrial civilisation will take the form of collapse, which could mean a harrowing die-off of billions of people’. He has been a frequent spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion. This has involved meetings with senior politicians from across the political spectrum. He represents Extinction Rebellion on national radio and television, including Radio 4’s Today programme and the BBC’s Question Time and Politics Live. He teaches philosophy at the University of East Anglia, and created and (until recently) led the ‘philosophy of presence’ group in Norwich. He was taught by Joanna Macy, Thich Nhat-Hanh, Richard Rorty and Stanley Cavell.

This Civilisation is Finished, by Rupert Read

An Eco-Spiritual Basis for Rebellion Against Extinction - Schumacher College