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of connections with nature and the natural world provides, I believe, at least some of what makes up
meaning and purpose, and some of the antidote to rising levels of anxiety and depression. Perhaps
even more essential to purpose and meaning is the renewed commitment at personal and collective
levels to begin to tackle the daunting challenges we face. That may be the most important role of the
book to follow: as a reservoir of compelling, inspiring and immensely usable patterns that we must all
begin to advocate and apply in our work. To follow are at least some of the seeds of hope and the
antidotes to despair.
University of Virginia
Timothy Beatley
Charlottesville, VA, USA
New Patterns for a Healthy Planet