Choreographing Climate Justice: A Phenomenological Study Of Using Dance To Communicate The Human Dimensions Of Climate Change

In a time where “fake news” is prevalent in our media and climate denial is being perpetuated by merchants of doubt, it is increasingly important to use all possible media, including creative media, to reach those who are not already engaging in climate change discourse. Climate arts are emerging as a different avenue for pursuing effective climate communication to catalyze the cultural transformations that are needed to address the current climate crisis. Dance, in particular, can be used to express a unique aspect of performance art that is marked by presence, meaning that it constitutes an awareness in the “here and now.” Dance can help to express emotions and reactions to events that cannot necessarily be relayed in speech. The following manuscript looks at the intersection of Climate Justice and Climate Arts and a phenomenological study of creating a dance piece intended to help increase awareness about the issues faced by climate refugees across the world, exploring the emotional reality of unexpected displacement due to an environmental catastrophe.