The Power of Art to Engage People in Climate Action

The Conservation Council of New Brunswick (CCNB) is the longest-standing environmental non-profit in New Brunswick Canada, whose mission is to create awareness of environmental problems and advocate solutions through research, education, and interventions in collaboration with others. CCNB has developed an innovative program "From Harm to Harmony," which harnesses the potent capabilities of community-engaged climate art. This program has emerged as a transformative force, effectively bridging the gap between the scientific intricacies of climate change and the broader public through artistic expression. By translating complex data into emotionally compelling narratives, this approach taps into the core of human emotions, inspiring awareness, empathy, and actionable responses.

This program represents a collaborative effort, bringing together artists, social institutions, environmental organizations, and community members to actively participate in the creative process. Through these collective endeavors, the program seeks to engage diverse audiences across various communities within New Brunswick, Canada aiming to create accessible and meaningful opportunities for learning and understanding the complexities of climate change.

The program's insights from our pilot initiatives highlight the potency of unconventional engagement methods in climate action. Unlike conventional strategies, which rely on factual arguments, this program harnesses the emotional resonance of creative processes, crucial for inspiring and sustaining personal changes, particularly in the realm of climate action. Recognizing the mounting eco-anxiety, especially among younger demographics, and the associated feelings of inefficacy, the program responds by exploring innovative avenues like community-engaged art. By prioritizing emotions as an entry point, this approach addresses eco-anxiety and establishes a robust foundation for deeper involvement in climate action, leveraging art's transformative potential across multiple fronts: simplifying complexities, fostering emotional connections, amplifying messages, inspiring action, engaging the public, and instigating cultural shifts.

Throughout my presentation, I will speak to the various avenues of engagement and education that we have employed, the indicators of the success of the program,  learning lessons, and plans for the future growth of the program. In conclusion, the pathway of community-engaged art for climate action resonates with individuals, offering a positive, love-based, collaborative, and community-building approach. It emerges as a promising and impactful avenue for engaging diverse communities in meaningful climate change dialogue and action.