ADAPTING TO life in the Anthropocene: psycho-social components
Adapting to a world with climate refugees will necessitate a fundamental shift in our value systems and identities. The issues of the Anthropocene are definitionally global ones, and no regions or peoples can be excluded from responsibility or consequence. In order to adequately respond to the issues at hand, we must be able to extend our conceptions of self beyond our immediate persons or social groups in recognition of a more universal "we". In order for nations as a collective to acclimate to the massive shifts in demographics, culture, and resource availability (be that natural, manufactures, capital..), the citizens of whom it is composed must be in a mind-space that allows for them to rationally, empathetically and unselfishly take action to influence change in pursuit of the global good.
TED Talks
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks speaks about how we can transform our identities and actions from being primarily focused on the individual self to a sense of connection to a greater "we". He stresses that we must not think there are "quick fixes" or easy answers that will absolve us from responsibility, but that we can face the daunting challenges of our future as long as we are united.
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Pope Francis speaks about the intrinsic value of all people and the responsibility we each carry to protect the interests of our fellow beings. He speaks about recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings, and the joy to be found in empowering and uplifting others. Indeed he says that as "no man is an island", care for others is not only right, but necessary for the wellbeing of all, including ourselves.
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Hugh Evans speaks about each of our individual abilities to advance global equity. He encourages all to influence power structures with an eye to universal, rather than personal, advancement. He reminds us that the world is shaped by our actions and commitments, and that we are able and responsible to enact positive change in the world. .
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Further Reading
Articles:
Sara Schley, Sustainability: the Inner and Outer Work: https://thesystemsthinker.com/sustainability-the-inner-and-outer-work/
Karen Litfin, The Sacred and Profane in the International Politics of Sacrifice: http://faculty.washington.edu/litfin/research/Sacred_and_Profane.pdf
Books:
Roy Scranton, Learning to Die in the Anthropocene: Reflections on the End of a Civilization
Jeremy Rifkin, The Empathic Civilization: The Race to Global Consciousness in a World in Crisis
Articles:
Sara Schley, Sustainability: the Inner and Outer Work: https://thesystemsthinker.com/sustainability-the-inner-and-outer-work/
Karen Litfin, The Sacred and Profane in the International Politics of Sacrifice: http://faculty.washington.edu/litfin/research/Sacred_and_Profane.pdf
Books:
Roy Scranton, Learning to Die in the Anthropocene: Reflections on the End of a Civilization
Jeremy Rifkin, The Empathic Civilization: The Race to Global Consciousness in a World in Crisis
UW Resources
Here are some resources for programs and professors at the University of Washington currently engaged in advancing introspection and contemplative practice for the cultivation of self-awareness, empathy, and social change. All advocate for the importance of mindfulness and global consciousness in addressing modern challenges.
International relations, political science, environmental politics
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Conduct research and programming on compassion and resilience at the UW
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Information school
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