Class

Hope and Imagination in Environmental Writing

It seems at every turn we are bombarded with dire news of environmental degradation and biodiversity loss. While there are some glimpses of hope and resilience, these stories are often drowned out by predictions of the coming climate apocalypse.

The state of the world seems so overwhelming, but at the same time, it's obvious that we can't solve our problems by wallowing in despair or continuing on the same path we took to create them. Among all the arts, the written word has the unique ability to elevate us above the current moment and to inspire new ways of thinking, not only by creating a vision for a different kind of future, but also by showing us the way there.

As Antoine De Saint-Exupéry said, "If you want to build a boat, do not instruct the men to saw wood, stitch the sails, prepare the tools and organize the work, but make them long for setting sail and travel to distant lands."

In this 2-hour class, we will explore ideas of alternative paths and imagine other kinds of futures, where human beings might regain their status as a "keystone species" rather than the kerosene species we've become. There will be some writing prompts we'll practice in class and others you can use on your own.

To quote author Ruth Ozeki, "Maybe sometimes you have to make things us, to tell truths that alter outcomes. Without the power of imagination we lack the power to alter outcomes, so if we can't imagine better outcomes in a better world, we cannot act to achieve these. You can't make something you can't imagine first."

All classes listed on the Loft website take place in Central Time.

Instructions for Accessing This Online Class

In order to access live class meetings, you must have the Zoom application downloaded to your computer. You will also need a WiFi/Internet connection throughout the duration of your scheduled meeting and a computer with audio and video capability. The information to join your Zoom classroom will be provided in your confirmation email upon registration. Please check spam folders if you do not see this email upon registration. For more information on how to use Zoom, please see our training manual here.