Karen Costa, an expert in climate action pedagogy, discusses the challenges of addressing climate action in the classroom and the importance of starting where we are. She explores collective action in different disciplines and the role of creativity in sparking collective imagination. The podcast also emphasizes the importance of simplicity and design in presenting climate science and explores finding hope and taking action in uncertain times.
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Quick takeaways
All courses are climate courses; faculty should start where they are and take small actions.
Climate action pedagogy involves collective action, accessibility, and integrating sustainability into coursework.
Deep dives
Climate Action Pedagogy: Empowering Faculty and Students
Climate Action Pedagogy is a vital and necessary approach in higher education. Karen Costa shares how she became interested in climate action and how she developed a model for climate action pedagogy. The model emphasizes that all jobs are climate jobs and all courses are climate courses. By starting where we are and focusing on small actions, faculty can engage students in climate action in various fields. Accessibility, emergent strategy, and learning experience design form the pillars of climate action pedagogy, and collective action and learning play a significant role in shaping change.
Overcoming Despair and Acting on Climate Change
Karen Costa shares her personal experience of feeling overwhelmed with despair about climate change and seeking therapy. Through therapy, she reframed her thinking, focusing on what she can do rather than what she can't. This shift led her to the realization that all jobs are climate jobs and all courses are climate courses. Costa encourages faculty to start where they are and take small actions in their areas of expertise. By playing the game of small and focusing on accessible actions, individuals can make a meaningful impact on climate action.
Climate Action in the Classroom: Examples and Opportunities
Karen Costa illustrates how climate action can be integrated into the classroom. She shares examples from faculty members who have incorporated climate action topics into their courses, such as using the regeneration website to investigate climate action in information technology fields. Collective action and engagement with students are essential components of climate action pedagogy. Faculty can encourage students to think creatively and collectively in developing climate action projects and incorporating sustainability in their coursework.
The Power of Small Steps and Earned Hope
Karen Costa emphasizes the importance of taking small steps and having earned hope in climate action pedagogy. She recommends the book 'Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics' and the '10% Happier' app as tools to support self-care and mindfulness in addressing climate change. Costa highlights the significance of designing accessible and well-organized resources to prevent overwhelm and enable individuals to navigate the complexities of climate action with confidence and inspiration.