The world’s most famous clown doctor (Patch Adams) has a lot to say about the future of the planet. I wrote to Patch Adams a month ago to find out his thoughts on the environment. He wrote back to me after having just spent two weeks in the Peruvian Amazon working on creating sewerage, schools and clinics for 160,000 people, “the poorest of the poor”.

Below are the questions I asked Patch and his answers.

1. Are you concerned about the state of the environment? Does it make you feel sad what is happening to the planet (i.e. global warming, deforestation)?

Yea, I’m concerned for the environment – I have a large (2000 books) library on nature and the environment. I read lots on a number of issues…I talk about it everywhere. I feel our probable extinction by even mid century. I’m optimistic at heart and I don’t see major trends to correct the problems. I don’t feel we have much time.

2. Are you doing anything to combat global warming? Have you made any changes to your life?

I think the 3 major ways I confront the problems is I study the problems extensively, design a hospital model and community that shows how we could live, and I’m not much of a consumer.

3. I have noticed there are so many people who are resigned and cynical and think they can’t make a difference in the world. What stops you from being resigned and cynical? What keeps you going when the world’s problems seem so big?

I never get cynical and resigned. My philosophy is to make me in every moment exactly who I want to be. I know I make a difference so I just try to get better at it. I live my intentions to love people and life. The miracle of life is bigger than all the problems put together.

4. The Australian government wants to introduce nuclear power plants. What are your thoughts on this?

Don’t do nuclear power plants. Close them down.

5. Do you have hope for humanity and the future?

I have hope because I feel it’s not to late.