In the last thirty years greenhouse gas emissions have almost doubled. It now seems unlikely that we will be able keep global heating below 2°C, suggesting that it is no longer a question of preventing dangerous heating but of living with it – even as we attempt to limit further damage.

How should we respond to such cataclysmic news? What does it mean to be alive and human right now? To what should we devote our lives? This course is for you if you are committed to grappling with the reality of global heating and largescale ecosystem destruction, but sometimes finding yourself falling into fear, rage and/or despair, wondering where to begin, and whether you can truly “make a difference”.

This class will pull together students from across Harvard’s professional schools to explore the possibility that this moment could be one not only of catastrophe but also of individual and collective transformation. Together we will open up space for imagining “what might go right” – unpacking how social movements are built, whether radical political change is necessary (or possible), what it might mean to rewrite the dominant narrative of our civilization, and the potential strengths of incremental change. It is often said that we need deep, systemic shifts – in this seminar we will explore what such shifts might look like and how they might be catalyzed.

Throughout the class we will also explore what all this might mean for you – for the way you experience yourself, for how you frame the meaning and purpose of your life, and for how you decide to engage with the world. My goal is to support you in learning from people (and ideas) that may seem deeply unfamiliar and possibly even dangerous and to combine skillful work in your professional identity with deep inner work and the ability to understand the world from multiple perspectives.

Class Structure

In addition to classical class discussion, most classes will include some kind of experiential practice and a guest. Our guests will not be experts who know the answer but rather amazing people who are grappling – like us – with what it means to respond effectively to all that is happening.

Participants will be asked to write a short reflection paper every other week and a short final paper developing your personal theory of change and action.

Admission is by application only, and applications are available here. There will be TWO rounds of admissions to the class. First round applications are due by November 26^th, with decisions forthcoming on December 1^st. Second round applications will be due on January 8th; applicants will be notified by January 10th.

If you are interested in learning more, you can read a copy of the syllabus here. This course is open to Graduate Students only.