​

TL;DR In this entry, we zoom out to discuss the social change we need. Dana R. Fisher explains why activism seems so sensational and disruptive, helps us explore the concept of an anthroshift and practical steps for the way forward (from a sociologist perspective)!

🎙️ The Anthroshift, our way to social change

In our fourth episode, we sit down with sociologist Dana R. Fisher to discuss her latest book, “Saving Ourselves: From Climate Shocks to Climate Action.”

In her book Dana introduces us to the concept of the Anthroshift, a social theory she developed with colleague Andrew Jorgenson. This theory explains how social change occurs when there is a universal sense of risk — remember the pandemic and the "new normal" we had to endure for a few years?

Dana explains:

Dana outlines three critical sectors that need to shift if we want to address climate change in time:

1. The State: The government policies and regulations crucial for large-scale change on a societal level.
   ​
2. The Market: The transitions businesses and economic systems must undergo towards sustainable practices.
   ​
3. Civil Society: Our role as individuals and communities in pushing for change and holding the other sectors accountable.

However, these shifts face significant obstacles, primarily from deep rooted fossil fuel interests. Dana notes:

If you want to learn more about the interaction between state, market and us as a society, we highly suggest the full episode for more context:

​
Click here and listen on

While individually, we don't have the power to drive systemic change, there is something we can do to get involved👇

🔥 The different forms of activism

There are a bunch of ways you can help the climate movement, and not all of them require you to throw soup at the Mona Lisa, or paint at Stonehenge...

In her book, Dana distinguishes between direct and indirect activism, and explains us the importance of both:

• Direct Activism
  ​
  ​This includes actions like protests and civil disobedience, which aim to draw immediate attention to climate issues. Dana refers to activists who engage in these actions as “shockers” because they use performative protests to shock the public and media into paying attention.
  ​
  This is what we see most of on tv or on our phones: throwing stuff at art, glueing themselves at the pavement and in some extreme cases...setting themselves on fire.
  ​
• Indirect Activism
  ​
  ​This involves long-term campaigns and policy advocacy. Dana describes these “disrupters” as activists who work from within our systems, such as lobbying for divestment from fossil fuels or pushing for sustainable policies at local and national levels.

But does it work??

While some tactics, like seemingly destroying art — they do choose art with covers that can be cleaned —, may seem controversial and potentially negative to the movement, the broader goal of these actions is to draw urgent attention to the climate crisis.

These actions are aimed to disrupt the status quo and ignite public pressure, making it impossible to ignore the topic of the climate crisis.

As Dana highlights in her work, even controversial actions can help mobilize support and generate widespread awareness.

So, what can we do as civil society? 👇

🛠️ Tools for building a sustainable future

In her book "Saving ourselves: from climate shocks to climate action" Dana outlines three practical paths for moving forward:

1. Creating Community and Real Solidarity
   ​
   ​Building strong, supportive communities is essential for resilience.
   ​
   “Communities that are connected can better withstand climate shocks... When your phone is useless, your neighbours and community will be the ones you look towards for help... This social resilience is just as important as environmental resilience.”
   ​
2. Capitalizing on Moral Shocks
   ​
   ​Activists can use moral shocks — events that outrage public conscience — to win support.
   ​
   Dana explains, “Highlighting injustices, especially when peaceful activists are met with repression or even violence, can mobilize broader support for climate action.”
   ​
3. Cultivating Resilience
   ​
   ​Preparing for climate impacts through climate adaptation strategies and resilient infrastructure is crucial.
   ​
   Dana notes, “We need to rebuild with resilience in mind, ensuring our communities can withstand future climate shocks.”
   ​
   ​For this, we have an episode coming up, so stay tuned!

Watch the full episode for more tips
​
​For a deeper dive into these topics and her book, check out the full episode with Dana R. Fisher. You can follow the 🐇 to our Creators For Climate Youtube channel and tune in to the whole conversation!

🎧 Tune In Now And join us for the full conversation. ​ ​ ​Available on

​

As always, we value your feedback. Let us know what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like us to cover in the future.

Read the book Saving ourselves: From climate shocks to climate action ​ Get Dana's book *no-ad, just helpful recommendation!

📓 Get the Creators For Climate Resources

And that's it for today. Below is the updated list of resources you can access and where you can download all the documents for free. That includes:

• Field Guides: Download the guides
• How to turn posters into slides: Visit the blog​
• How to come up with content ideas for your research: Visit the blog​
• An ideation prompt to find focus: Visit the blog​
• The waitlist for the science communication workbook is now open. Find more information here.​

✨ I'd love to hear from you

Where are all the Climate Creators? Do you know a creator who is making a significant impact in the field of climate action / science communication? ​ Get or share a feature

Ask questions, get answers Have burning questions about creating content, storytelling, or any other aspect of climate communication? ​ Share your question

That’s it for now, until next time!

If you're reading this, I'm glad to have you on our journey. Thank you, you awesome human being!

Written by Tom Janssen Creators For Climate ​