Climate Change Hope? It's Complicated

Climate Changed

In this thoughtful second interim episode, host Jessica David talks deeply and candidly with The BTS Center team members Ben Yosua-Davis and Madeline Bugeau-Heartt about hope's complex and nuanced nature in our climate-changed world. They explore what it means to hold hope amidst uncertainty, loss, and the ongoing climate crisis.

Meet the Host and the Guests:

Jessica David is a Master of Divinity candidate at Harvard Divinity School, a community consultant, and an advocate for local investment and social change.

Ben Yosua-Davis is the Director of Applied Research at The BTS Center, shaping their research agenda to support climate-informed spiritual leadership. Ben previously founded innovative spiritual communities and is passionate about building communities and promoting climate resilience.

Madeline Bugeau-Heartt serves as a Program Associate at The BTS Center. With a background in experimental theater and filmmaking, Madeline brings creative imagination and community organizing expertise to exploring how we navigate a radically changing world.

Main Conversation and Themes:

1. Redefining Hope Beyond Quick Solutions

Guests discuss shifting perspectives away from oversimplified solutions towards a deeper understanding of hope.

Ben Yosua-Davis challenges traditional views:

"If by hope you mean am I hopeful that there is a technological or political solution that will fix climate change... the answer is no. But do I believe life can be full of meaning, beauty, and joy regardless? Absolutely."

Madeline Bugeau-Heartt expands the concept:

"Hope isn't an antidote to despair... but I am hopeful that the mystery of the day, spontaneous beauty, and love between people can always be found."

2. Hospicing Endings, Midwifing Beginnings

Ben and Madeline explore embracing change through metaphors of hospice and midwifery, recognizing endings and nurturing new beginnings.

Madeline Bugeau-Heartt articulates the dual practice:

"What are we choosing to hospice, and what are we choosing to midwife into being?... It's about being part of what the world is already doing."

Ben Yosua-Davis reflects on communal acceptance:

"When people hit the point [of hospice], there's peace and joy that leads to hope—focusing on living, enjoying, appreciating those closest to us."

3. Hope as a Communal Practice

The conversation emphasizes hope as fundamentally collective and relational.

Ben Yosua-Davis emphasizes community:

"I don't think you can practice hope individually... humans were not built to be hopeful without community."

Madeline Bugeau-Heartt underscores collective action:

"In community, hope gains muscle… I hope for different things in collective than when I'm by myself, longing for things way beyond myself."

Additional Resources:

• The BTS Center's Research Collaborative – Exploring how faith communities can authentically respond to the climate crisis through grounded, applied research.
  
• Reports From the Spiritual Frontier – Ben’s podcast chronicling new forms of spiritual community and innovative leadership.
  

Join the Conversation:

Where do you fall on the hope spectrum? What practices do you use to cultivate hope—or maybe you don't?

Share your reflections via email at [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 207-200-6986.

Climate Changed Podcast is a project of The BTS Center in Portland, Maine. Produced by Peterson Toscano. Music comes from EpidemicSound.com. Closing song: Home by Ludlow. Visit climatechangedpodcast.org for more episodes of the Climate Changed podcast.