The Transformative Power of Stories in Addressing Climate Change | Muhammad Manzur Alam | TEDxUIW

Summary

The speaker explores how storytelling, particularly through humanized narratives like 'Animal's People' by Indra Sinha, can enhance empathy towards climate change and environmental disasters. They argue that personal stories, as opposed to mere data, resonate more deeply, prompting emotional connections and potential action. The talk also addresses the role of fiction in countering corporate narratives that obscure the truth about environmental harm, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility and change.

Takeaways

• 📚 The power of storytelling in raising empathy towards climate change and environmental disasters is discussed.
• 🌏 The novel 'Animal's People' by Indra Sinha is highlighted as an example of how fiction can humanize the victims of environmental disasters.
• 👤 The protagonist 'Animal' embodies the physical and psychological effects of the Bhopal gas tragedy, making the abstract human and relatable.
• 🔢 Facts and figures about disasters can be shocking, but personal stories like Animal's evoke a deeper, more lasting emotional response.
• 📖 Reading fiction actively engages us, allowing us to experience characters' emotions, which can lead to increased empathy.
• 🎭 Stories can counter the narratives created by powerful entities that may downplay or misrepresent the impacts of environmental disasters.
• 🌱 Fictional narratives can serve as a mirror to real-life events, offering alternative viewpoints and raising awareness about climate change.
• 🌐 The global nature of climate change can be overwhelming, but stories can make it more digestible and personally relevant.
• 💪 The potential of storytelling to inspire action and change is emphasized, suggesting that stories can motivate readers to become agents of change.
• 🌱 The need for more literature and media that responsibly address climate change is called for, to foster collective action and environmental responsibility.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the talk?

The main theme of the talk is the power of storytelling to raise empathy towards the fight against climate change and man-made environmental disasters.

How does storytelling affect our empathy according to the speaker?

Storytelling affects our empathy by humanizing narratives through characters, allowing us to connect on a personal level and feel emotionally invested in their experiences.

What is the significance of the novel 'Animal's People' in the context of the talk?

The novel 'Animal's People' is significant as it provides a humanized perspective on the Bhopal gas tragedy, illustrating the personal struggles and suffering of the victims.

How does the character 'Animal' from 'Animal's People' embody the effects of the Bhopal disaster?

Animal, the protagonist, embodies the effects of the Bhopal disaster through his physical deformities, chronic health issues, and social isolation, which are direct consequences of the toxic gas leak.

What is the difference between the impact of data and human stories on empathy as discussed in the talk?

Data and facts can shock us but are not memorable, whereas human stories resonate on a personal level, making us feel more connected and empathetic towards the individuals affected.

Why are traditional support-generating means like campaigns and demonstrations less effective than stories in raising empathy?

Campaigns and demonstrations are less effective because they do not allow us to see or hear directly from the victims, whereas stories provide a direct connection to the experiences of those affected.

What role does the emotional experience during storytelling play in empathy, according to Aristotle?

According to Aristotle, the emotional experience during storytelling, such as feeling pity and fear for the characters, purifies our emotions, potentially making us more empathetic.

How can fictional narratives impact our attitudes towards wildlife and environmental issues?

Fictional narratives can positively impact our attitudes by mirroring real-life events, exposing misrepresentations, and providing counter-narratives that educate and emotionally engage us.

What is the role of powerful entities in shaping narratives about environmental disasters, as mentioned in the talk?

Powerful entities, such as capitalist corporations, often manufacture narratives to avoid blame for environmental disasters, controlling media outlets to promote their interests and shaping public perception.

How can fictional stories serve as counter-narratives to the fabricated stories circulated by powerful entities?

Fictional stories can serve as counter-narratives by replicating truths and providing alternative perspectives that challenge the fabricated stories, offering an educational and emotional experience that raises awareness and empathy.

What is the call to action for the audience in the context of climate change and storytelling?

The call to action is for the audience to recognize their role as agents of change, to consume and act with greater responsibility, and to support writers and the publishing industry in incorporating climate change themes and environmentally responsible practices.

Outlines

00:00

📚 The Power of Storytelling in Raising Empathy for Environmental Issues

The speaker discusses the impact of storytelling on empathy, particularly in the context of climate change and environmental disasters. They introduce the novel 'Animal's People' by Indra Sinha, set against the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, one of the world's worst industrial disasters. The story's protagonist, Animal, is a young man deformed and traumatized by the disaster, whose narrative humanizes the tragedy. The speaker argues that stories like these can evoke empathy more effectively than mere facts and figures, as they allow readers to connect with the characters on a personal level. The emotional engagement with the narrative purifies our emotions, as per Aristotle, and makes us more empathetic. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the importance of listening to the victims' stories directly, which can be achieved through fiction.

05:02

🌿 The Role of Fiction in Shaping Attitudes Toward Environmental Issues

The speaker explores how fictional narratives can influence our attitudes toward wildlife and the environment. They share an anecdote from a student whose perspective on the value of fiction was changed after reading 'Animal's People.' The speaker explains that fictional stories mirror real-life events and can counter the narratives created by powerful entities that may hide or misrepresent the truth about environmental disasters. The speaker references Christian Salmon's book 'Storytelling Bewitching the Modern Mind' to discuss how capitalist and imperialist entities use media to shape narratives that align with their interests. They argue that fictional stories can offer alternative narratives that reveal the truth and educate and emotionally engage readers, making them more aware and potentially more active in addressing environmental crises.

10:03

🌍 Collective Responsibility and the Need for Change in Addressing Climate Change

The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing our collective responsibility in the face of global emergencies like climate change. They argue that while reading a novel alone cannot bring about significant change, it can be a starting point for understanding and empathy. The speaker calls for a systemic overhaul and urges writers to incorporate themes of climate change into their work. They also advocate for the publishing industry to adopt more environmentally responsible practices. The speaker concludes with a quote from Mahatma Gandhi, suggesting that personal change can lead to global change, and encourages everyone to be agents of change, consuming and acting with greater responsibility.

Keywords

💡Storytelling

Storytelling refers to the art of telling stories, which can be a powerful tool for evoking empathy and understanding. In the context of the video, storytelling is highlighted as a means to humanize the abstract concepts of climate change and environmental disasters, making them more relatable and emotionally resonant. The speaker uses the novel 'Animal's People' as an example, where the protagonist's personal narrative brings the tragedy of the Bhopal gas disaster to life, thus engaging the audience on a deeper level than mere facts and figures.

💡Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. The video emphasizes the role of storytelling in raising empathy towards environmental issues. Through narratives that depict human suffering, such as the character 'Animal' in 'Animal's People,' the audience is encouraged to connect emotionally with the victims of environmental disasters, fostering a sense of responsibility and a desire for justice.

💡Climate Change

Climate change is a long-term shift in global or regional climate patterns. The video discusses how storytelling can make the global crisis of climate change more tangible and personal. By presenting climate change through individual stories, it becomes less of an overwhelming global issue and more of a series of human experiences that can be understood and felt on a personal level.

💡Environmental Disasters

Environmental disasters refer to catastrophic events caused by human activity or natural processes that damage the environment. The video uses the Bhopal gas tragedy as a case study to illustrate how storytelling can bring attention to the human costs of such disasters. The narrative of 'Animal's People' provides a personal perspective on the tragedy, making the broader issue of environmental disasters more immediate and impactful.

💡Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story. The video mentions narrative poetry as one of the forms of storytelling that can humanize environmental issues. Although not directly exemplified in the script, it suggests that poetry, like other narrative forms, can encapsulate the emotional and human aspects of environmental disasters, providing a medium for expressing the depth of such events.

💡Fiction

Fiction refers to any narrative or story that is derived from imagination rather than based on real events. The video argues that fictional stories, such as 'Animal's People,' can be just as effective in conveying the truth and impact of environmental disasters as non-fiction. The fictional narrative allows for a deeper exploration of characters and their experiences, which can lead to a greater sense of empathy and understanding.

💡Non-fiction

Non-fiction is a category of literature that presents real events and is factually accurate. The video contrasts non-fiction with fiction, suggesting that while non-fiction provides facts and figures, it may not resonate as deeply with readers as a well-crafted fictional narrative. The speaker implies that non-fiction can inform but may not always inspire the emotional engagement necessary for driving action on environmental issues.

💡Narrative Reporting

Narrative reporting is a form of journalism that tells a story, often focusing on personal experiences and human interest. The video briefly mentions narrative reporting as a form of storytelling that can convey the human impact of environmental disasters. It suggests that this approach can provide a more engaging and emotionally resonant account than straightforward reporting of facts.

💡Bhopal Gas Tragedy

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy refers to the 1984 industrial disaster in Bhopal, India, where a gas leak from a pesticide plant led to thousands of deaths and long-term health problems. The video uses this tragedy as a central example to demonstrate how storytelling can bring attention to the human cost of environmental disasters. The novel 'Animal's People' is set against this backdrop, using the personal narrative of 'Animal' to illustrate the lasting impact of the disaster.

💡Agenda-Based Narratives

Agenda-based narratives are stories or information presented with the intent to influence public opinion or promote a particular viewpoint. The video discusses how powerful entities, such as corporations, can create narratives that serve their interests, often downplaying their role in environmental disasters. The speaker argues for the importance of counter-narratives, like those found in fiction, to challenge these fabricated stories and present a more accurate picture of events.

Highlights

The Art of Storytelling can raise empathy toward the battle against climate change and environmental catastrophes.

Narratives humanized by characters can instill empathy, whether in fiction, non-fiction, or narrative poetry.

The novel 'Animal's People' by Indra Sinha is set against the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, one of the world's worst industrial disasters.

The protagonist, Animal, is a 19-year-old boy who lost his parents and was left physically deformed by the disaster.

Animal's physical deformities and health problems lead to his isolation and resentment toward society.

Stories like Animal's can evoke more empathy than mere facts and figures of environmental disasters.

Traditional support-generating methods like campaigns are less effective than stories in generating empathy.

Reading fiction is an engaging task that pulls readers into the characters' world, fostering emotional connections.

Aristotle's concept of emotional purification through stories can lead to increased empathy.

Fictional narratives can positively impact attitudes toward wildlife and environmental issues.

Fictional narratives mirror real-life events and can counter agenda-based narratives that misrepresent environmental disasters.

Powerful entities often create their own narratives to avoid blame for environmental harm.

Fiction can offer counter-narratives to fabricated stories, providing an educational and emotional experience.

Climate change requires a collective response, and storytelling can empower individuals to act.

The publishing industry should adopt environmentally responsible practices to support the message of climate change.

We need more writers to incorporate climate change themes into their work to raise awareness.

As Mahatma Gandhi said, changing ourselves can lead to changes in the world.

Transcripts

so today I'll talk about how The Art of

Storytelling posesses the remarkable

ability to raise our empathy toward the

Argent battle against climate change and

man-made environmental

catastrophes when I say stories that can

instill our empathy I'm referring to

narratives uh that are humanized by the

representation of characters be it

through fiction non-fiction the and um

narrative

poetry uh any narrative reporting um all

of these different forms are more

precisely the tales of climate change

and environmental

disasters let me start by talking about

the novel animals people written by

Indra Sinha which is set against the

backdrop of vopal gas tragedy of 1984 in

India it was one of the world world's

worst industrial disasters which killed

thousands of people and contined to

affect many more with lifelong health

issues the story is narrated by animal a

19-year-old boy who lost both of his

parents on the night of the disaster the

toxicity released by the disaster has

left him physically deformed as you can

see in this AI generated image and

causing his back Twisted it and he went

through extreme pain through a period of

time as he was changing metamorphose

uh that at one point he had to start

walking on all

fours this earned him the name janver

which means animal in English he also

suffers from health problems his lungs

are damaged he uh has developed chronic

breathing difficulties and pain he

carries deep psychological scars as well

leading to his isolation from the

society and he has also grown resentment

toward most people he he becomes a

scavenger living mostly on streets

eating from garbage dumps and also

sometimes sleeping on Industrial Waste

sites he forms a few friendships with a

very few people who care for him but in

the end he is ready to live with the

truth that he is never going to be

accepted like others by the society or

compensated for his

loss so as I was telling you the story

of animal have you started to care about

him if yes why do you care about a boy

who is fictional and is also from a

different place for a moment let's think

about the figures and facts of the Bal

gas leak the immediate death toll

between 2,000 and 3,000 people tens of

thousands of people suffering injuries

and health complications because of the

direct exposure to the toxic gas and

generations of people uh affected by the

lingering toxicity in the environment we

are certainly shocked by the information

but we are not actually going to

remember them for

long think about uh Chernobyl nuclear

disaster of 1986 Fukushima nuclear

disaster of 2011 raising Rising Global

temperature sea level irregular weather

patterns etc etc how much do you think

about the victims of these it is likely

that you will be affected more by animal

story than by reports on

calamities so we can see a potential

distinction in our level of empathy when

we uh encounter data and facts compared

to human

stories stories portray human suffering

and they also connect with us on a

personal level General reports can give

you the scale or intensity of a disaster

but they do not often resonate with us

emo

and then there are traditional means of

generating um support for

disasters U such as campaigns and

demonstrations however they're not as

effective as stories in case of

generating our empathy because we do not

get to see the victims or listen to them

directly which makes genres like

storytelling an effective and a very

valuable tool for example in that Noel

in animals people animal serves as the

narrator and the author claims to have

changed nothing other than translating

the story from Hindi to English of

course it is fictional but he makes a

very important point of this need that

we listen to the victims very

directly a few things happen when we

read a story of the length of a fiction

reading is an engaging task so we

already start to participate in the

story of of the text a lot more actively

than watching a piece of news on TV

consciously or unconsciously we are

pulled into the world of the characters

so when one or more of the characters

face tragic consequences we feel

affected by that if I may borrow from

Aristotle uh we feel emotional

experience when one or some of the

characters have problems we feel pity

for them and when we are about to face

some sort of a tragic consequence or a

tragic ending we feel fear for them and

by going through these emotions

According to Aristotle we purify or

cleanse our emotions we release our own

sadness and fears by feeling them for

the characters in the

story this purification of emotions can

potentially lead us to be more

empathetic because isn't empathy our

ability to uh put ourselves in someone

else's shoes to truly grasp what other

people might be experiencing in a

situation when they face these sort of

troubles when we care deeply we feel

responsibility and we feel connected and

we even feel personally

affected there are many survey based

studies out there that have shown that

fictional narratives can have a positive

impact on our attitudes toward the

wildlife

um also I witnessed examples of change

firsthand in my world literature class

um one of my students U very you know

explicitly said that reading animals

people which was one of the texts that

they read um would bring him back to the

habit of reading fiction he had

developed the impression that reading

non-fiction and essays would be a better

utilization of his time but now he

thought that reading a novel like

animals fiction can be both educational

as well as um an intellect I mean as

well as entertaining okay both at the

same time uh he said that reading the

novel had compelled him to take time to

listen to animal and understand the

depth of his

observations fictional narratives mirror

events from real life and they often

expose the other versions of narratives

that try to hide or misrepresent the

tales of communities affected by climate

change and environmental disasters and

fictional narratives can be antithetical

to those agenda based narratives we live

in an age of conflicting narratives

around us and writers like novelists can

provide us with the closest to real

stories that the actual victims would

like to share with us let me extend the

idea of agenda based narratives by

referring to this book called

storytelling bewitching the modern mind

uh written by the French thinker

Christian salmon and that's a quote from

the book where he said that the powerful

capitalist and imperialist entities tax

uh they they have a Nexus and they tax

artificial narratives onto reality many

capitalist corporations thrive on

Industrial projects that often cause

disasters and harm our

environment but these entities then

circulate the first manufacture and they

circulate their own stories to avoid

blame they own and control the global

media Outlets including the newspaper

networks magazines online platforms by

shaping the narratives and content that

they want their audience to consume they

promote certain worldviews and truths

that align with their

interests um in animals

people uh the powerful Corporation tries

to manipulate uh the system to evade

Justice for their environmental crimes

they use their legal resources their

monetary powers to make people believe

that they were not mainly responsible

for the disaster it was the local

operators so they have created their own

versions of narratives about the

disaster such fabricated narratives that

are prevalent around us today can

actually shape our emotions our beliefs

and our ideas and in effect and in the

long run it can even develop our

indifference to environmental disasters

and climate

change however fictional stories which

are by definition not real can still

replicate the truth for us and offer

potential counter narratives to

fabricated narratives that can provide

us with an educational emotional

experience and emotional experience to

make us understand the extent and the

seriousness of the global climate

crisis so so that we can understand that

even distant events can touch us

personally nothing is disconnected for

us we all are connected in this uh

disaster and the global

emergency so sometimes the idea of a

global emergency which is you know all

over the world and one problem can be

too much for us to digest but fictional

narratives can make this information

digestible for us in the sense that it

is broken down and presented to us in

the form of of one particular story

which we can relate to and understand

this can also Empower us to a certain

extent to

act of course reading a novel cannot

change much and victims do not actually

need our pity they do not seek our pity

they want justice but what alone can

change a lot we need to overhaul the

entire system and we need more and more

writers to incorporate climate change

themes into their work and we need our

publishing industry to come up with more

environmentally responsible practices

because climate change requires

Collective response from all of us from

all

quarters and we all need to be the

Agents of change and consume and act

with greater

responsibility like Mahatma Gandhi said

if we could change ourselves the

tendencies in the world would also

change thank

you

[Applause]