NETWORKS and INITIATIVES
There are numerous projects and initiatives aimed at addressing the climate crisis, including its causes, social and ecological implications, and possible ways forward. Some of the leading networks for transformative work are:
The Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology
The Forum on Religion and Ecology is the largest international multi-religious project of its kind. Through conferences, publications, and websites, its members explore religious worldviews, texts, and ethics toward an understanding of the complex nature of current environmental concerns. Mary Evelyn Tucker (national Council member) and John Grim at Yale University serve as conveners.
350.org
350* is a global grassroots climate movement to hold leaders accountable to the realities of science and the principles of justice. That movement is rising from the bottom up all over the world, and is uniting to create the solutions that will ensure a better future for all; online campaigns, grassroots organizing, and mass public actions bring together a global network active in over 188 countries. It was founded by leading climate activist Bill McKibben.
Better Future Project
An affiliated group of 350.org, the Better Future Project is based in Massachusetts, and works to build a powerful grassroots movement to move beyond oil, coal and gas. They empower new leaders through training, coaching and support; connect activists to each other through networks like 350.org; and activate citizens through hard-hitting campaigns for climate justice. Juliet Schor (Boston College) serves as Chair of the Board, and Craig Altemose is the Executive Director.
The Next System Project
The Next System Project is an ambitious multi-year initiative aimed at thinking boldly about what is required to deal with the systemic challenges the United States. Today’s political economic system is not aimed at the wellbeing of people, place and planet; its priorities are corporate profits, the growth of GDP, and the projection of national power. There are alternatives that can lead to the systemic change we need. Building on innovative thinking and practical experience with new economic approaches, there can be a “next system,” a new political economy that serves humanity and the planet. The project is co-chaired by Gar Alperowitz and Gus Speth.
Indigenous Environmental Network
IEN is an alliance of Indigenous People whose mission is to protect the sacredness of Earth Mother from contamination and exploitation, maintaining and respecting Indigenous Teachings and Natural Law.
One Earth Sangha
One Earth Sangha’s mission is to bring the essential wisdom and practices from the Buddhist tradition to collective engagement on critical ecological crises. We assert that activism is more effective and sustainable when grounded in mindfulness and compassion and that social engagement is an essential part of the spiritual path. We bring these two forces, and their corresponding communities, together through teachings, community building and mindful action.
READINGS ON THE SCIENCE
What We Know: The Reality, Risks and Response to Climate Change // The AAAS Climate Science Panel
Climate Change Evidence and Causes // The Royal Society and the National Academy of Sciences (2014)
Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability (2014) // IPCC Working Group II
Climate Change Impacts in the United States (2014) // National Climate Assessment
FILMS and RECORDED TALKS
Under the Surface, Naomi Klein and the Guardian (2016)
In Under the Surface, a special Guardian film, the award-winning writer and environmental campaigner Naomi Klein travels to the Great Barrier Reef with her son, Toma, to see the impact of coral bleaching caused by climate change. In a personal but also universal story, Klein tells how she wants him to bear witness.
Overview, Planetary Collective (2012)
On the 40th anniversary of the famous ‘Blue Marble’ photograph taken of Earth from space, Planetary Collective presents a short film documenting astronauts’ life-changing stories of seeing the Earth from the outside – a perspective-altering experience often described as the Overview Effect.
The Importance of Hope, Alistair McIntosh (2008)
A talk on “death and climate change” by Alistair McInstosh, Scottish writer, environmental activist and scholar. He references his book Hell and High Water: Climate Change, Hope and the Human Condition, considering that politics alone is not enough to tackle the scale and depth of the problem that faces us.
Naomi Klein: This Changes Everything, Clark University Climate Change Teach-In Keynote (2016)
For Naomi Klein, the climate crisis challenges us to abandon the free market ideology of our time, restructure the global economy, and remake our political systems. Either we embrace radical change ourselves or radical changes will be visited upon our physical world. The status quo is no longer an option. Can we pull off these changes in time? Nothing is certain, except that climate change changes everything.
The Truth About Climate Change, Christopher Williams, Clark University (2015)
An introduction to the science of climate change, given as part of the first Climate Change Teach-in at Clark (March 2015).
Before the Flood, Leonardo DiCaprio (2016)
An educational and advocacy documentary, this film follows Leonardo DiCaprio as he travels the world to examine firsthand the effects of climate change and learn more about possible ways to prevent catastrophic damage that could make the Earth unsustainable for human life. During his journey, he speaks with President Barack Obama, Pope Francis and tech innovator Elon Musk, among others.
How to Let Go of the World and Love All the Things Climate Can’t Change, Josh Fox (2016)
Director Josh Fox investigates climate change – the greatest threat our world has ever known — traveling to 12 countries on 6 continents. The film acknowledges that it may be too late to stop some of the worst consequences and asks, what is it that climate change can’t destroy? What is so deep within us that no calamity can take it away?