Accepting there is no orthodoxy in environmentalism to activate everyone

Mar 13

Sharing their wisdom here are Dr. John Fraser, President and CEO of NewKnowledge, and Dr. Rupu Gupta, a researcher at New Knowledge and thought leader on inclusivity within the environmental movement.

Hear about why the dominant narrative that we're destructive as humans actually does our work for sustainability a disservice; the importance of accepting that there are a wide variety of ways people connect with and help protect nature; how we can come together to create a larger positive impact through collective action; and more.

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This is a conversation on Green Dreamer Podcast with Kaméa Chayne, a show exploring environmental and intersectional sustainability from ideas to life. Subscribe to Green Dreamer on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, or any podcast app and let’s learn what it takes to thrive in every sense of the word!

Highlights

[2:24] What first inspired John and Rupu's passion for nature and interest in conservation psychology.

[4:02] What conservation psychology is all about.

[4:59] Kaméa: "Why was there a need for this specific niche as a field of study?"

[7:33] What NewKnowledge does.

[8:23] Kaméa: "How has your transdisciplinary approach allowed you and your team to reach new findings or come up with more powerful solutions for sustainability?"

[11:02] John explains how humanity has a pattern of depleting our resources and how this is not a new problem.

[16:29] John discusses the personal and social wellness challenges of conservationists.

[18:51] Kaméa: "What advice can you offer for those of us who feel guilty for taking a positive approach to sustainability when there is so much pain, injustice, and serious degradation to address?"

[22:55] Rupu talks about how the dominant narratives of who cares about nature exclude the broader racial and ethnic diversity that truly exists in environmental activism.

[25:20] Kaméa: "How can we as individuals foster more inclusivity in this space and help to elevate alternative narratives about environmental activism?"

[28:17] John and Rupu discuss the importance of coming together with partnerships and groups to make a larger positive impact.

References

About our Guests

Dr. John Fraser is a conservation psychologist, architect, and educator. He is also the President and CEO of NewKnowledge, President of the American Psychological Association’s Division 34, Editor of Curator: The Museum Journal, and a founding editorial board member for Museums & Social Issues. Dr. Rupu Gupta is a researcher at NewKnowledge and a conservation psychologist specializing in inclusive practices in the environmental movement, equitable engagement with outdoor spaces, and community resilience. She was Co-Principal Investigator of the Third National Climate Assessment evaluation and is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Conservation Psychology at Hunter College, CUNY.

Keep in touch

NewKnowledge

Tips

Inspiration:
Rupu: @outdoorafro
John: PBS News Hour

Note to self:
Rupu: "We are all in this together."
John: "We are really fixing things!"

Health practice:
Rupu: "[I am working on] very purposeful breaks during the workday, walks in the park, and photography."
John is biking to work.

Sustainability practice:
Rupu: "I use public transportation and try to reduce my meat consumption."
John: "I look for the organizations that are doing good and how to partner with them. I am also looking at end of life medical waste."

Element of hope:
Rupu: "It's about communities coming together."
John is inspired by the ability of people to mobilize resources and respond with compassion so quickly.

Closing words:
Rupu: "Don't be afraid to reach out to others just because they seem different to you. There is more in common than you can imagine."

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