Starting the Climate Action Leadership program brings me back to the beginner stage: most of the disciplines and theories introduced in the course being new concepts. They feel like turbulences, almost vertigo because they require to think boldly and differently. By applying a multidisciplinary approach – connecting the dots on different themes to create new ideas – the benefits of studying climate changes and climate adaptation are evident and could solve different issues that humanity is (and will be) facing. The notions of design thinking and Indigenous knowledge are worth explaining here.
By using the design thinking process, benefits arise such as slowing down and working in pairs. There are steps to follow to better understand the problem, evaluate it through questions, interviews, and self-reflection, to come back afterward with a collaborative approach. For some people, it might feel counterproductive, but each step leads to innovative options that could have been missed at first. It feels like new parts of the brain work and they make connections. A useful tool to keep using.
In addition, Indigenous knowledge brings a lot to the education experience. Learning about the Native views, side by side with the Western way helps to get a greater picture of the environmental situation that we live in and to discover climate actions in such a rich way. The panelists’ storytelling has been fascinating by combining traditions and wisdom that force the student to re-evaluate some situations from a different angle. Indigenous ways of living and thinking allow the social side of science and climate action to rise and shine.
Adaptation, mitigation, and co-benefits are all new terms that offer clarity on big themes like the climate crisis. It is important to remember that:
-There is no need for someone (scientist, academic, facilitator, politician) to be right: there is a need for everyone on this planet to listen to others. As Michael Lickner mentioned in his presentation, every human has “two ears and one mouth” for a specific reason: listen more than you speak.
-There is no need for one science to be better than the other one. Collaboration is key. The image of two canoes moving parallels on a river should guide future actions.
The power as we know it in modern societies does not lead to adaptive communities and cause human, non-human, and nature to suffer. There is a need for a true connection with the planet to be able to lead with a sense of identity and hope. The concept of the seventh life stage of Indigenous education is a good example and deserves another blog article on its own. By going deeply into ourselves, we can better understand the inside and the outside world.
Climate actions and leadership are important topics and should continue to be a priority for governments and citizens. So much needs to be learned and to be done but, for once, let’s try not to rush. Step by step, hands in hands, we can create something inclusive, efficient, and sustainable.
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