The Vital Role of Humanists in Climate Advocacy: Bridging Disciplinary Divides
As Cop28 approaches, the collaboration among climate justice organizations intensifies. Yet, amidst the fervor, a noticeable gap persists in the representation of humanists within climate advocacy spaces. This divide, primarily entrenched in disciplinary silos between science and humanities, is a challenge that demands urgent attention. As a historian deeply engaged in climate policy events, I find myself often standing alone in a sea of scientists and social science experts.
Breaking Educational Silos: The Need for Multi-disciplinary Climate Education
The prevailing approach to climate education, dominated by science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) subjects, misses a crucial opportunity for a multi-disciplinary exploration. Humanists bring unique perspectives to the table, drawing connections between historical narratives, societal values, and the current climate crisis. My background in history and literature allows me to discern that the climate crisis is a result of societal priorities favoring profit over people and the planet.
Unveiling Systemic Issues: Humanists and the Climate Crisis
Understanding the climate crisis necessitates delving into the historical roots of systemic issues like colonialism and capitalism, which exploit both workers and ecosystems. Humanists argue that these issues are part of a broader legacy of inequity, intertwined with recent developments in green technology. For instance, the carbon credits system justifies the dispossession of indigenous lands, and mining practices for minerals used in green tech devastate communities.
A Call for Collective Imagination: The Role of Humanities in Shaping the Future
While scientists and engineers innovate in green technologies, humanists emphasize the need to collectively rethink our values, lifestyles, and societal structures. The trajectory of future technology should align with a vision of sustainability and equity, and humanists play a crucial role in expanding our collective imagination to create such a future. Environmental humanities scholars like Karl Jacoby and Emily Johnson are at the forefront, linking environmental studies with cultural perspectives.
Challenges and Opportunities: The Emerging Field of Environmental Humanities
Despite the critical contributions of humanists, the field of environmental humanities remains underfunded and disproportionately white. Diverse voices are essential to enriching the dialogue and forging meaningful connections between science, culture, and society. Resourced climate scientists and leaders must actively involve environmental humanities scholars in shaping policies, fostering a truly multi-disciplinary approach.
Towards a Pluriversal Approach: Acknowledging Ecological Histories and Diverse Perspectives
As we approach Cop28 and the ongoing battle against climate change, the integration of humanists into the narrative becomes imperative. We all carry unique ecological histories, cultures, and spiritualities that enrich the discourse on building just and sustainable communities. It is time for a collective effort to break down disciplinary barriers, inviting diverse perspectives to shape a more holistic and inclusive approach to climate advocacy.
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