Our Shared Planet: Climate, Story, Relationship, and Responsibility

The programs in this series charge us to consider our individual and collective responsibilities to our planet. They feature artists, storytellers, climate scientists, seed-savers, farmers, authors, and many others who have thought deeply about reciprocity and identifying individual gifts for service.

All We Can Save Series

Global Climate Teach-in

News Release: Climate scientist, author to give 2022 Kenneth Spencer Lecture

Black Swallowtail Butterfly and Orange Zinnia

Within this theme, we explore:

• How climate communication reflects values and goals for the future;
• Who informs decision-making about our institutional responses to the realities of climate change;
• The role of relationship-building in responding to the urgency of this moment; and
• What the interdependence of humans as a species means for its role in the current moment

Leveraging Emotion: Climate Change and the Power in Feeling

The known and projected impacts of climate change forecast massive changes to life on a planetary scale. As visions for the future become less recognizable and actions taken by those in power are varied, humans are left with a range of emotions. This discussion among leaders in the field of climate change and mental health will help bring into focus our understanding of what it means to feel in response to climate change. Understanding our emotions can help us adapt and act, as individuals and also in community, to promote justice and resilience. Presented by The Commons and the IPSR Center for Compassionate and Sustainable Communities at the University of Kansas

Spring 2022

All We Can Save: The Power of Stories Promotion

All We Can Save: The Power of Stories

Climate change is often discussed in scientific terms, but the work of responding to the urgency of climate change requires many voices. The realms of social, creative, activist, spiritual, food production, and many others, play critical roles in the larger conversation. As well, we know that climate change disproportionately affects certain populations. We present this series to showcase the works of leaders included in All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis, edited by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson & Katharine K. Wilkinson. This series brings thought leaders from diverse professions and callings into conversation with KU students and the community.
Link to Recording
Astronautica Promotion

Astronautica: Voices of Women in Space

“Astronautica: Voices of Women in Space” features 11 original songs that lyrically describe the experiences of women in space, from the first flight taken by a woman to an interview with the first Indian woman in space, Kalpana Chawla, who later died in the 2003 Columbia disaster, to an adapted conversation with Dr. Mae Jemison, the first Black woman to travel to space, to considerations of the effects of climate change on planet Earth. The music was written by Kamala Sankaram, Bora Yoon, Jennifer Jolley, Renée Favand-See, RaShonda Reeves, Elaine Lachica, Jane Sheldon and Gilda Lyons.
Leah Penniman All We Can Save Event Promotion

All We Can Save: The Power of Food Sovereignty

Climate change is often discussed in scientific terms, but the work of responding to the urgency of climate change requires many voices. The realms of social, creative, activist, spiritual, food production, and many others, play critical roles in the larger conversation. As well, we know that climate change disproportionately affects certain populations. We present this series to showcase the works of leaders included in All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis, edited by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson & Katharine K. Wilkinson. This series brings thought leaders from diverse professions and callings into conversation with KU students and the community.
Link to Recording
Naomi Oreskes Event Promotion

Naomi Oreskes: Why Trust Science?

Naomi Oreskes is a world-renowned geologist, historian and public speaker, as well as a leading voice on the role of science in society and the reality of anthropogenic
climate change. She writes about the intersections of science, policy, public trust, and is the author or co-author of eight books. Oreskes is a Professor of the History of Science and Affiliated Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Harvard University.