Short course
Climate Crisis and Culture Online Short Course
Course description
Course overview
This course explores the cultural dimensions of climate change, including its impact on heritage, identity, and justice.
It examines how climate issues intersect with social and environmental inequalities, how they are represented in media and art, and how industries may distort these narratives through greenwashing.
The course also highlights the vital role of cultural activism and creative practices in advancing climate awareness and inspiring action.
As a guide, the total commitment for this course is approximately 5 hours. This includes core materials and creative tasks.
Your personal learning time may vary depending on your pace, engagement, and how deeply you explore the materials.
Who this course is for
This course is for students interested in designing for possible futures. It values creativity, encourages imagination, and fosters these through the cultivation of creative thinking and practices.
Key information
Topics covered
- Cultural impact of climate change
- Intersectional analysis
- Cultural representations of climate change
- Greenwashing and artwashing
- Engaging in cultural campaigning
Outcomes
- Understand cultural loss and how climate change impacts cultural practices, heritage, and identity
- Recognise how different social identities intersect with environmental issues and the importance of inclusive advocacy
- Critically assess cultural representations and depictions of climate issues in media and art
- How to identify the tactics of greenwashing and artwashing
- Explore successful cultural campaigns for climate action and the strategies used in creative activism
- Develop insights into how creative practices can serve as tools for advocacy and social change, fostering a sense of agency to contribute to climate justice
- Personal reflection and feedback, encouraging students to evaluate their learning experiences and consider next steps for continuing their artistic practices related to climate action
Materials
- Access to an archive or library is strongly recommended as part of this course for finding information, research materials, and case studies to support your learning
- Notebook or journal (optional) for reflective journaling and brainstorming creative ideas for climate-related projects
Please see our Guide to taking online short courses .
Tutor
Sara Ayech
Sara Ayech is an experienced campaigner and activist, focused on climate and social justice. She is currently interim CEO of the Secure Energy Project, designing strategic communications to hasten a renewable energy transition. As the Deputy Head of Climate & Energy at Greenpeace International, she co-led a team driving global campaigns for a sustainable future. Her work addresses critical issues like air pollution, extreme weather, palm oil, and deforestation, and utilises cultural and creative practice to effect change in the world. With a background in grassroots activism, she holds a master’s degree in Arts and Cultural Enterprise from Central Saint Martins and a bachelor’s degree in Arts & Social Sciences from the University of Manchester.
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