ICA presents at Garrison Symposium on Climate, Mind and Behavior

The Garrison Institute, located up the Hudson River from New York City, is a leading think tank that integrates emerging research about human behavior into new thinking on practical responses and solutions to climate change. 

Jennifer Hirsch, an ICA fellow, played a major role in organizing this year's Climate, Mind, and Behavior Symposium held June 10-12, 2013. Terry Bergdall, ICA's ExecutiveDirector, presented on the ICA's Accelerate 77 sustainability work in Chicago'scommunities. Jennifer and Terry designed and facilitated participatorydiscussions throughout the conference.

Two major questions were central to these facilitated discussions. The first focused on diversity and ways that various approaches and perspectives helpaddress the super challenges posed by climate change. The second focused onempowering cultural dimensions in building models for social change. Thislatter point, has long been at the heart of ICA's mission and its strategic approach in developing new programs. All the presentations advanced creative thinking about these questions.

Wade Davis, chief anthropologist for the National Geographic Society, gave a stimulating keynote address on practical, and generally unrecognized contributions of diverse cultures throughout the world in dealing with climate change. A presentation by Rev. Mitch Hescox, President and CEO of the Evangelical Environmental Network provided a powerful illustration of common ground and creative alternatives that transcend the popular narrative that emphasizes extreme polarization. The ICA appreciates being able to contribute to the conversation and facilitation of events like this.