Blending Science and Art in Climate Action

In the framework of the CARE Program (Climate Adaptation, Resilience and Empowerment), PSIA was delighted to host Dr Madhur Anand, Professor in Environmental Sciences from the University of Guelph and accomplished poet and writer. 

Dr Anand's visit marked a significant opportunity for the PSIA community to explore innovative approaches to climate resilience and sustainability. During her visit, Dr Anand delivered a talk on New Pathways and Hope for Climate Change Resilience and Biodiversity Sustainability. She addressed the triple crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss, emphasizing the potential for human actions to not only harm but also positively impact the environment. Dr Anand advocated for a broader interpretation of “ecosystem services”, which takes into account local and global scales and features solutions that extend beyond purely economic measures to include social, behavioral, and cultural dimensions. The talk was introduced by Dr Milind Kandlikar, Professor at the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs (SPPGA) and the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability (IRES) at the University of British Columbia.

Dr Anand also conducted a creative writing workshop with students aimed at bridging the gap between science and society. The workshop, titled Exploring Climate Change Through Found Poetry, encouraged participants to engage with the climate crisis from an artistic perspective. Dr Anand introduced the concept of the “crisis of the imagination,” explaining that while scientific evidence and solutions exist, there is often a failure to respond appropriately to the urgency of the situation. Through the process of creating poems in conversation with scientific articles, participants were invited to use artistic expression to explore new narratives and deepen their understanding of the complex realities of climate change.

Dr Anand’s visit highlighted the value of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling environmental issues and demonstrated that combining scientific and policy expertise with creative expression can help us think critically and productively about climate action.

The CARE Program is an innovative, state-of-the-art, carbon neutral program led by Sciences Po’s Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA) in partnership with the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia and the University of Guelph, and with the support of the DRG Foundation. The overall objective of the CARE Program is to contribute to shaping a new generation of climate-conscious global leaders and citizens to make a positive impact through evidence-based policy and community engagement that contribute to sustainable development. 

Find out more about the CARE Program here.