Culture as a Climate Lever: From Narrative to Action
Event Description
Climate change is often discussed through the lenses of science, policy, technology, and finance. Yet culture—the stories we tell, the identities we hold, the traditions we inherit, and the creative expressions that shape public imagination—plays a powerful role in determining how societies understand and respond to change. Despite this influence, culture remains underrepresented in many climate discussions.
This conversation will explore how arts, culture, and cultural heritage can contribute to climate action, resilience, and adaptation. Participants will examine the role of artists, cultural institutions, community leaders, and heritage organizations in helping people make sense of climate change, connect global challenges to local realities, and imagine alternative futures. The discussion will consider how creative practice can engage audiences that traditional climate communications often struggle to reach and how cultural approaches can help build public support for action.
A particular focus will be on the relationship between culture and resilience. How can cultural heritage, local knowledge, and community identity strengthen adaptation efforts? What role can arts and culture play in helping communities navigate disruption, loss, and transformation? And why is cultural influence often overlooked as a tool for accelerating climate action?
As climate impacts increasingly affect every aspect of society, the challenge is not only developing solutions but creating the social and cultural conditions that allow those solutions to take root. This conversation will explore how culture can help shape the narratives, values, and collective imagination needed for meaningful climate action.
Discussion Group Leaders
Brikesh Singh is Chief of Communications at Asar, advancing climate action through storytelling, cultural engagement, and creative collaboration.
Catarina Nefertari is Co-Executive Director at Amazônia de Pé, advancing Amazon protection through community mobilization, culture, and narrative change.
Jenifer Willig is CEO at WRTHY, advancing social impact through communications that make complex global challenges accessible and engaging.
Vijayta Narang is Creative Advocacy Manager at Fearless Foundation for the Arts, advancing community-centered advocacy through participatory art, storytelling, and movement building.
Riya Saxena is Senior Associate at Rocky Mountain Institute, advancing climate finance while fostering dialogue on climate and society through artistic practice.
Discussion Questions
How can arts and culture help translate climate change from a global issue into something that feels relevant and actionable at the local level?
What role can cultural institutions, artists, and creative practitioners play in driving climate adaptation and resilience?
How can cultural heritage and local identity contribute to stronger community responses to climate impacts and environmental change?
Why is culture often overlooked in climate strategies, and what would it take to recognize it as a core driver of climate action?