∆
"All that you touch
you change
All that you change
changes you."
~ Octavia Butler
Theory of Change
Climate change is one of the most urgent crises facing humanity. Because climate impacts intersect with and exacerbate all dimensions of oppression, climate action that centers justice is necessary. My academic research, teaching and practice is grounded in a theory of change to guide my vocation. Like all things, this theory is subject to change as I learn and reflect more in community, and this theory is also useless without praxis.
The Greek letter ∆ , Delta, symbolizes change. Climate scientists often annotate our scientific graphics with the ∆ symbol, particularly when quantifying changes over time. Furthermore, Deltas are places where rivers meet the sea. Landfalling atmospheric rivers, the topic of my dissertation research, symbolize an atmospheric Delta--a confluence of water in the form of rain and snow. Deltas can be places where hazardous floods occur, yet also places of thriving. Deltas represent places of "coming together", confluences of different waterways and branches, rather than the individualism of solitary wells.
Delta as change also represents how we must respond to change with change--we must respond to climate change with societal change, changes in collective mindset, changes in our collective dreams, and changes in how we take action.
Theory of Change: In order to effectively respond to the climate crisis, we need courageous collective action from people in supportive, resilient communities. The necessary transformation will* unfold when as we re-orient to this interconnected way of being, letting ourselves be changed, and letting ourselves be vehicles for change.
I work towards building up my communities to do this by education, conversation, writing, and other communication modes; mentoring, leadership development, and scientific research.
*transformation is already happening in pockets of communities all over, if you just know where to look...pay attention to the margins...