Our Common Home: Artists, Poets and Scientists Discuss Climate Change

The Pope’s encyclical on climate change, Laudato Si, galvanized a new level of awareness on the moral necessity of addressing the climate crisis. In recognition of this global leadership, we invite you to join musicians, artists, poets and scientists to share perspectives on a multifaceted and holistic path forward in protecting our planet. This free public gathering at The Cooper Union will be an important moment in recognizing the role of values, ethics, science and spirit in addressing the complex tasks facing Our Common Home.

Our Common Home was conceived as a response to the remarkable document issued by Pope Francis in 2015. This inspired work challenges the communities of science, ethics, justice, economics and religion to all imagine an integral ecology based upon compassion and environmental knowledge. This is big. His first encyclical letter has energized many in the environmental communities in ways that could have lasting significant impacts. Our Common Home brings together a range of voices that will explore and reflect on the significance of these writings.

This celebratory evening is anchored by many seminal voices: Mary Evelyn Tucker, Senior Lecturer and Research Scholar at Yale’s School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and Divinity school, Elaine Pagels, Professor of Religion at Princeton University, David Orr, Professor of Environmental Studies and Politics at Oberlin College, and Arthur Lerner-Lam, Professor and Deputy Director of the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University. The voices of distinguished poets, artists, musicians and writers, including Jorie Graham, Andrew Sullivan, Scott Chaskey, Timothy Donnelly and Joy Harjo, highlight and sustain the program.

This event is presented by Urban Green Council, Natural Resources Defense Council, International Center of Photography, The Poetry Society of America, Continuing Education and Public Programs of The Cooper Union, and The Cooper Union Institute for Sustainable Design.

Located in The Great Hall, in the Foundation Building, 7 East 7th Street, between Third and Fourth Avenues.