Photograph by Glenn Oakley
Photograph by Glenn Oakley
In the early 1970s John Francis gave up using motorized vehicles after witnessing the devastating effects of an oil spill in San Francisco Bay. Soon afterwards he took an even more radical step: a vow of silence that lasted 17 years, during which he undertook a pilgrimage by foot across America on behalf of the environment and world peace, earning a Ph.D. in environmental studies along the way. Through his silence and walking, he learned to truly listen, both to other people and the world around him.
Since ending his silence in 1990, Francis has served as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Environmental Program, contributed to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Oil Pollution Act of 1990, rewriting transportation regulations in the wake of the Exxon Valdez spill, and founded Planetwalk, a nonprofit environmental education organization. He relates the experience of his quiet protest in his book Planetwalker: 22 Years of Walking. 17 Years of Silence. Accompanied by his ever present banjo and his gentle but determined demeanor, Francis communicates a surprisingly pragmatic message of pilgrimage and social change.
Popular Presentation
Redefining Environment
Francis discusses how the environmental crisis is a reflection of social and economic inequality. From peace and justice to everyday civility, Francis contends that our lack of connection to one another, as well as to the Earth, is at the heart of the environmental crisis.
Learn More About John:
Environmental activist John Francis spent 22 years on a journey across America, mostly on foot and deliberately without the aid of motorized devices. For much of that time, he did not speak. He’s written about those years in the book Planetwalker: How to Change Your World One Step at a Time.
Thank you for your interest in the Speakers Bureau! Your request has been sent.
Oops! Something Went Wrong
To Submit a booking directly, please contact:
National Geographic Speakers Bureau
(202 775-7800)
speakers@ngs.org
| Speaker name |
|---|
No Result
Experience the wonder of deep-sea exploration through Ballard and his Institute for Exploration, which uses robotics, mapping, and submersibles to explore the last great frontier.
Learn More
In her presentation “Connect With Anybody, Anywhere” Belt shares her experiences as a journalist bridging cultural, racial, and religious divides. A passionate conservationist, Belt’s recent project with author Barbara Kingsolver aims to help save the last wild spaces in the United States.
Learn More
Thirty years after the discovery of the fossil specimen Lucy, Johanson remains a towering figure in the study of human origins.
Learn MoreHire a National Geographic speaker for your event.
Meet Our SpeakersBook a distinctive setting for your event.
Learn About Our VenueBring an exhibition to your institution.
View Available ExhibitionsBook a film program or photography exhibit.
Learn MoreTouring floor maps bring memorable education to students.
See Our Maps
