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How to parent in a climate emergency? Through a series of inspiring letters written to his daughters, climate activist and writer Ben Rawlence finds new ways to open conversations and navigate the uncertainty of our changing times together

Writer and activist Ben Rawlence first began writing to his eldest daughter before she was born, expressing his fears at what it would mean to raise children in a rapidly changing world where the very concept of the future was in jeopardy. Twelve years later, dozens of these letters to his two daughters tell the story of one father's attempt to navigate the fundamental contradiction of raising children within an economic system that seems hostile to all life, and not only humans.

Climate change poses a fundamental challenge to parenting. What knowledge should we pass on? What future are we preparing our children for? Generations risk being divided by an elephant in the room that neither side wants to name: the climate.

By turns dark, hilarious and always bracingly honest, the letters to his daughters offer relatable and inspiring insights about parenting in perilous times. Ultimately Rawlence (and his daughters) show us that learning to see once again through the eyes of a child might hold the answer to how we parent, how we live and even the future of our planet.

© Ben Rawlence 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026