A much-needed, evidence-based argument for hope in a world living through planetary crisis. We are at an inflection point: today, more people than ever before recognize that climate change and biodiversity loss are urgent and existential threats. Yet constant reports of climate doom are fueling an epidemic of eco-anxiety, leaving many of us fee

“This book comes at just the right moment. It is NOT too late if we get together and take action, NOW.” —Jane Goodall

Fears about climate change are fueling an epidemic of despair across the world: adults worry about their children’s future; thirty-somethings question whether they should have kids or not; and many young people honestly believe they have no future at all.

In the face of extreme eco-anxiety, scholar and award-winning author Elin Kelsey argues that our hopelessness—while an understandable reaction—is hampering our ability to address the very real problems we face. Kelsey offers a powerful solution: hope itself.

Hope Matters boldly breaks through the narrative of doom and gloom to show why evidence-based hope, not fear, is our most powerful tool for change. Kelsey shares real-life examples of positive climate news that reveal the power of our mindsets to shape reality, the resilience of nature, and the transformative possibilities of individual and collective action. And she demonstrates how we can build on positive trends to work toward a sustainable and just future, before it’s too late.


Praise for Hope Matters

“Whether you consider yourself a passionate ally of nature, a busy bystander, or anything in between, this book will uplift your spirits, helping you find hope in the face of climate crisis.”
—Veronica Joyce Lin, North American Association for Environmental Education “30 Under 30”

“A tonic in hard times.”
—Claudia Dreyguis, author of Scientific Conversations: Interviews on Science from the New York Times

“Beautifully written and an effective antidote against apathy and inaction.”
—Christof Mauch, Director, Rachel Carson Center for the Environment and Society


Published in Partnership with the David Suzuki Institute.

“This book comes at just the right moment. It brings a message of hope to help curb the negativity, the gloom and doom we are confronted with each day. It is NOT too late if we get together and take action, NOW.” 
—Jane Goodall

“Kelsey’s book will uplift your spirits, helping you find hope in the face of our current climate crisis, as well as in other areas of your own life.”
—Veronica Joyce Lin, one of the North American Association for Environmental Education’s “30 Under 30” education influencers worldwide

“A beautifully written book and an effective antidote against apathy and inaction.”
—Christof Mauch, Director, Rachel Carson Center for the Environment and Society

“Hope Matters is a clarion call to reawaken our spirits and renew our efforts, filled with engaging success stories, lyrical nature writing, and actionable ideas...This is a book to inspire resilience: for our children, for our leaders, for ourselves.”
— Anne Nelson, Fellow, Arnold A. Saltzman Institute, Columbia University School for International and Public Affairs, and author of Suzanne’s Children: A Daring Rescue in Nazi Paris

“In a time when so much of the news on biodiversity is depressing, Dr. Elin Kelsey reminds us that there are good reasons to be hopeful. This book is a tonic in hard times.”
—Claudia Dreifus, author of Scientific Conversations: Interviews on Science from the New York Times

“Hope Matters was a refreshing and uplifting read. An amazing and wonderful book!”
—Enid Elliot, educator, and leader in the nature kindergarten movement