As the world continues to face severe climate change impacts, the question of who is equipped to combat this crisis arises. Caroline Levine, a humanities professor at Cornell University, argues in her book “The Activist Humanist: Form and Method in the Climate Crisis” that humanists have a vital role to play in addressing climate change. While Sarah Cole, an English and Comparative Literature Professor at Columbia University, acknowledges the importance of humanistic perspectives in reimagining society amidst the climate crisis, she sees a distinction between activism and the educational role of universities.
Cole emphasizes the need for universities to provide comprehensive training in climate humanities, beyond just climate science, to equip students with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of climate and society. She believes that education and activism are distinct yet interconnected endeavors. This debate over the political role of humanists underscores the larger question of how humanities scholars can effectively engage with political action in tackling global challenges.
In an interview with GlacierHub, Caroline Levine delves deeper into the intersection of humanities and activism, emphasizing the importance of using literary studies to drive societal change. She challenges the notion that humanities scholars should remain passive observers, arguing that art and literature have always been inherently political. Levine advocates for moving beyond raising awareness to taking organized collective action in combating climate change.
When it comes to climate anxiety and feelings of hopelessness, Levine stresses the need for individuals to recognize their power to effect change. She believes that harnessing strong emotions towards sustained activism is crucial in the face of ongoing environmental crises. By bridging the gap between aesthetic appreciation of art and the call for tangible action, humanists have the opportunity to analyze climate imagery in a way that inspires meaningful change.
“The Activist Humanist” not only explores the transformative potential of literary studies but also offers a practical political action workbook to guide readers towards becoming active participants in environmental activism. Levine’s ultimate goal is to inspire collective action and empower individuals to take meaningful steps towards addressing the climate crisis.
