About the ETI

The Environmental Thinking Institute (ETI) is an independent think tank that provides discussion sessions on advanced concepts relating to environmental solutions.

Vision: advanced environmental thinking, leading to advanced environmental action.

Mission: to support environmental campaigners and solutions.

Environmental campaigners are defined in the broadest sense possible: anyone who cares about, works in or studies the environment or related sectors such as conservation, human health and wellbeing. Anyone who understands the importance of tackling issues such as climate, wildlife, plastics and preventing pollution of our air, rivers and ocean.

Sessions are concept-led rather than content-led, and could be described as providing an element of thought leadership. Rather than delivering the latest statistics or facts, discussing advanced, or perhaps seemingly unusual, concepts aims for unique, creative or imaginative thought developments. Whilst some concepts may have been referred to elsewhere, they are usually not explored in depth in terms of their application to environmental solutions.

The aim is to advance environmental thinking, leading to advanced environmental action. Sessions aim to create a supportive, reflective discussion space in which campaigners can learn and advance their thinking and actions towards tangible successes.

ETI sessions are held live, and recordings are not available online afterwards. Knowing that recordings will not be online afterwards encourages open exploration of the topic (including asking silly questions!), and advances thinking through being present in the discussion itself. We use the Chatham House rule: one can say afterwards what was said broadly, but not in a way that identifies which individuals said what during the session.

ETI sessions are hosted by Atul Kumar, author of Alien Places and host of the podcast, Alien Places. Atul is also a fundraising consultant specialising in environmental charities, and is based in Bournemouth, UK. To find out more about the backgrounds of Atul and the ETI, please listen to Atul being interviewed on the podcast episode ‘How Did We Get Here?’.

Format of ETI Sessions:

Introduction

Guest Performers and Speakers

Breakout Rooms to discuss in more depth

Sharing Thoughts following the Breakout Rooms

Sharing Resources (such as links to further information)

Thinking Leading to Action (any practical actions inspired by the session)

If you have any questions about the Institute, or particular events, please email: atulsearth@gmail.com

UPCOMING EVENTS:

NEXT ETI SESSIONS:

5. UNDERSTANDING SUCCESSFUL PREVENTION

6. DEBATING BY SPREADSHEET

7. NON-ENVIRONMENTAL THINKING

8. NOT IN THE NEWS

9. BRAINLESSNESS

10. MILESTONE THINKING

11. DROWNING

12. PROGRESSING WITH UNCERTAINTY

13. UNUSUAL ANALOGIES

14. ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE ENVIRONMENT

PREVIOUS ETI SESSIONS:

4. REFRAMING FILM, TV, ART AND MUSIC

TUESDAY 19 MARCH 2024, 7:30PM to 9:00PM (UK time) ON ZOOM

How can Film, TV, Art and Music advance to the next level of influence in encouraging major environmental action?

3. COMEDY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

WEDNESDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2023, 7:30PM to 9:00PM (UK time) ON ZOOM

Comedy can be a great way to engage new audiences in any cause, including climate and the environment. It can also help to keep campaigners enjoying their lives. What is the place of fun and humour when it comes to changing minds, or implementing environmental solutions? Where can comedy and humour help, and when is it a really, really bad idea? We discuss what’s next for the comedy and environment intersection.

To hear more about the ETI, have a listen to my interview as a guest on the SECOND funniest podcast on Earth about saving the Earth (after Alien Places) which is the Climate 4 Fun podcast. You can hear the chat at this link, click the image below, or type ‘Climate 4 Fun’ into Spotify and select episode 11. (Please note the slight technical issue during recording: please listen at faster than normal speed, eg x 1.5).

2. LONGEVITY, CRYONICS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

WEDNESDAY 30 AUGUST 2023, 7:30PM to 9:00PM (UK time) ON ZOOM

Successful social movements of the past have been led by those personally affected by the issue, with examples including the Suffragettes and Civil Rights. Greta Thunberg rose to prominence on the understanding that young people today will be alive personally for the unravelling of the climate, not just their children or grandchildren. Humans are already using cryogenics for biodiversity conservation and human fertility. Is long term thinking a shared concept between these fields and the environment? If so, how can we build on this link to normalise long term thinking and achieve true sustainability?

1. SUPPORTING ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGNERS

THURSDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2023 7:00PM to 8:30PM (GMT) ON ZOOM

THIS WAS THE INAUGURAL ENVIRONMENTAL THINKING INSTITUTE (ETI) DISCUSSION SESSION:

Successes in the environmental sector require continuous, long-term work, and could be described as an infinite purpose, forever goal or similar to express the ongoing nature of this type of campaigning. This is a supportive discussion space to explore how environmental campaigners can balance dedication, passion and climate anxiety, with positive mental health and living broad, happy and fulfilling lives.