September 8, 2025
After a storm this summer, a tree fell in my parents’ yard. We were upset to see it go, and then stuck with the problem of what to do with it. A neighbor chopped it into logs with his power saw. My dad gave the neighbor peaches in thanks, and gave me the wood for my fireplace. One lost tree ended up helping two households. Now it’s my turn to pass the care onto someone else.
In this issue of Justice This Week, we’re thinking about how we can turn things around, from reversing the wealth gap to escaping the philanthropic trap. How can we shift inward to our communities and neighbors in times of need, how can we think long-term—and how can finding joy, especially in the midst of so much loss, be a radical act?
Surviving this difficult time calls on us to rely on others, and to re-think and refine our approach.
Dr. Alison Stine
Climate Justice Senior Editor
