1. Stories

Poetry for the Planet

The Living Planet Report provides a comprehensive look at the health of our planet—including biodiversity, ecosystems, and demand on natural resources—and what it means for humans and wildlife.

It’s clear that we are pushing our planet to the brink. Human activity is taking an unprecedented toll on wildlife, natural places, and the resources we need to survive.

But there is still time to act. To ensure a sustainable future for all living beings, we need to reverse the loss of nature while tackling the climate crisis.

Distinguished poets reflect on the magnificent but endangered planet we call home. Check back weekly to see new poems.

The poems

Featured poets

Smiling headshot of Camille Dungy. Her locs fall below the shoulder, and she is wearing all black, a large red and gold necklace. She looks off to the right. In the background are trees.

Camille Dungy

Award-winning poet, professor and eco-activist who edited Black Nature: Four Centuries of African American Nature Poetry.

Denis leans on a metal pillar and smiles. She is wearing a black tunic and large beaded earrings and has her arms crossed in front of her.

Joy Harjo

Internationally renowned writer and performer of the Mvskoke Nation who served three terms as the United States Poet Laureate and was the first Native American to hold that title.

Craig Santos Perez smiles. In the background are mountains and a glacial lake.

Craig Santos Perez

Celebrated Chamorro poet, environmentalist, and co-editor of the anthology, Indigenous Pacific Islander Eco-Literature.

Joshua smiles, leaning on a suede couch with his forehead resting on his knuckles. He is wearing a tan coat and black shirt.

Joshua Sasse

Actor, writer, and poet who appears on the musical drama Monarch and hosts The Poet’s Voice podcast.

Frank Walker smiles and looks up. He is wearing a white button down.

Frank X Walker

Prolific artist, activist and the first African American poet to be named Kentucky’s Poet Laureate.

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