Protest and Beyond: Annie Leonard On What You Can Do

In this powerful episode of Climate One, host Arianna Brocious and guest Kusha Navadar explore the multifaceted nature of protest and activism through conversations with three change-makers. Annie Leonard, former executive director of Greenpeace USA and author of *Protest, Respect It, Defend It, Use It*, shares the story of the 1977 Section 504 sit-ins by disabled activists—a landmark moment in disability rights that exemplifies how nonviolent, community-driven protest can achieve lasting change. She emphasizes that protest is not just about marching, but about bearing witness, building solidarity, and maintaining moral clarity—even when facing strategic lawsuits designed to silence dissent. Leonard reframes the concept of protest as a spiritual and communal act, rooted in love and resistance. Danielle Lee, founder of the Climate Action Club, discusses how her Stanford engineering background led her to prioritize community-building and relational infrastructure as tools for combating climate anxiety and fostering collective action among Gen Z. She highlights the importance of low-stakes, inclusive gatherings like potlucks to create safe spaces for dialogue and connection. James Coleman, youngest member of the South San Francisco City Council, shares his journey from campus activist to elected official, illustrating how local politics offers a tangible path to systemic change. He stresses the importance of coalition-building, grassroots organizing, and running for office as a way to secure governing power and advance climate justice. The episode ultimately argues that change is not a sprint but a relay race—requiring patience, persistence, and multiple forms of engagement across protest, community, and policy. Key takeaways include: 1) Protest is more than marches—it includes non-cooperation, digital actions, and everyday resistance; 2) Community and relational infrastructure are essential for sustaining long-term activism; 3) Local government is a powerful lever for climate action, especially through building and transportation codes; 4) Activists should not only protest from the outside but also run for office to secure governing power; 5) Success in social change is measured not just by immediate wins but by raising awareness, building cohesion, and shifting cultural norms; 6) Holding both urgency and patience simultaneously is critical for resilience; 7) The most effective activism often starts small—like knowing your neighbors or bringing a dish to a potluck; 8) Every dollar invested in climate preparedness yields up to $68 in benefits, proving that early action saves lives and money. The overall sentiment of the episode is strongly positive, emphasizing hope, agency, and the power of collective action in the face of existential challenges.