The Oceanic Feeling: On the Need for a New Narrative

Isabella Lövin's The Oceanic Feeling: On the Need for a New Narrative, is a unique document of a life spent on the front lines of the climate battle, and at the negotiating tables where the future of our planet is decided. The Swedish investigative journalist who became a member of the European Parliament and then served for seven years in government, five of those as Deputy Prime Minister and Climate Minister, takes us on a journey behind the scenes of climate and global ocean policy making. Some may remember the viral picture of her signing the Swedish climate law in 2017. As Donald Trump just had signed a regressive executive order limiting women's sexual and reproductive rights surrounded by only men, she by contrast signed progressive climate legislation surrounded by women. Deeply concerned about the shrinking confidence in democracy Lövin offers a pedagogic and hopeful account of the fact that change can happen, if there is a will and a vision. But she also recognizes the main reason why humanity is not acting on the many global crises: a narrative of egoism and individualism. A truer and much more positive story can be found when we recognize "The Oceanic Feeling"; a deep connection with nature, people and the miraculous web of life on the planet; putting empathy, responsibility and awe at the center of what it is to be human. How, Lövin asks us, can we convert the world to this new, healthier narrative?