{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The Sustainability Agenda","title":"Episode 195: Interview with ClientEarth founder, James Thornton, about his latest book Nature, My Teacher: How to Be Alive in a World under Threat. ","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":3665,"description":"In this fascinating interview, James Thornton, founder and CEO of ClientEarth, discusses his latest book Nature, My Teacher, offering a unique perspective on the intersections of law, nature, and spirituality. Reflecting on his decades-long career as an environmental lawyer, Thornton shares how his work to protect the environment has been shaped by his deep reverence for nature and his experiences as a Zen Buddhist priest. The book delves into his personal philosophy and the lessons he's learned from nature, which continue to inspire his work in environmental advocacy.Thornton reflects on his journey with ClientEarth, an environmental law charity that has made significant strides in using the law to hold corporations and governments accountable for environmental harm. His experiences span across continents, from the United States to Europe and China, where he has helped shape legal systems that protect the planet. One notable highlight in the interview is Thornton’s experience in China, where he has been working to help develop laws that empower citizens to hold polluters, including government-owned entities, accountable. This groundbreaking work aligns with China’s ambition to build an \"ecological civilization,\" an effort enshrined in its constitution and reflected in transformative advancements in green technology.Throughout the conversation, Thornton weaves together the themes of his book with his practical experience in environmental law, illustrating how his spiritual beliefs, legal expertise, and deep connection to nature converge to guide his approach to sustainability. Nature, My Teacher serves as both a reflection on Thornton’s remarkable career and an urgent call to reconnect with the natural world, offering readers a hopeful yet pragmatic roadmap for tackling the climate crisis.James Thornton is the founding CEO of ClientEarth, a path-breaking law firm which uses advocacy, litigation and research to address the greatest challenges of our time –...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/aQFT78M8KX43rVrvYqHNXC-nEI9uqMAWI7vn_LoTjwg/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzEzNTgwLzE1OTk4/NTM0ODEtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}