The Human Impacts Institute

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The Human Impacts Institute

Join us in building a global cultural movement to inspire BIG, BOLD, and BEAUTIFUL climate action.

06/08/2026

Happy World Ocean Day! 🌊

The ocean connects us all, and protecting it means protecting our collective future. Ocean climate action is essential for building resilient communities, safeguarding biodiversity, and advancing climate justice for those most affected by environmental change.

This World Ocean Day, we're invited to reimagine our relationship with the ocean, not as something separate from our daily lives, but as a living system that sustains us all. A healthy ocean is not separate from climate action; it is at the heart of it.

06/05/2026

On World Environment Day, we're reminded that climate action is collective action.

The environmental challenges we face can feel overwhelming, but meaningful change begins when people come together to imagine and create a more just future. At Human Impacts Institute, we believe climate action is about more than addressing environmental issues, it's about empowering communities, amplifying stories, and building collective power for lasting change.

This World Environment Day, we invite you to:
💠 Shape the narrative.
🤝 Build collective power.
🌍 Take climate action.

Together, we can turn hope into action and action into impact.

06/04/2026

✨ Meet the Summer 2026 Intern Cohort ✨
We're thrilled to welcome four inspiring interns who are bringing fresh perspectives, diverse experiences, and a shared commitment to climate justice.

🌱 Maya Ortega — NGO Management Intern
🎨 Mariana Oliveira — Creative Communications Intern
🌎 Long (Kiki) Liu — Global Leadership Intern
📚Tessa Kolovarsky — Environmental Education Intern

We're excited to learn, grow, and create alongside them as we continue building a more just and sustainable future together. Please join us in welcoming them to the HII Team!

06/03/2026

We are proud to announce that HII has been awarded $200K USD from the Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) Community Impact Grant for our C3 Lab and Voices for Change Program.

The Creative Climate Communications Lab x Voices for Change inspires climate action in Brooklyn and NYC by using creative communication, cultural storytelling, social norms, and trusted local voices to overcome information biases and make climate solutions more relatable and accessible.

We can't wait to get started in making real world impacts in local communities through our work.

Thank you DEC for your continuous support! 🙏

05/29/2026

🌿 Discourse of Climate Delay #12 - Change is Impossible

“Change is impossible,” argues that reducing emissions is too difficult or unrealistic because it would require major changes to how society and the economy function.

Why Is this problematic?

It assumes the current system is fixed: It treats today’s economy and politics as unchangeable, even though they constantly evolve.

It discourages action: If people believe change can’t happen, they’re less likely to support or push for solutions.

It ignores historical evidence: Major shifts (energy systems, laws, technology) have happened quickly when there is pressure and coordination.

It shifts focus away from solutions: It often replaces real policy discussion with resignation or minimal-effort approaches.

History shows rapid large-scale change does happen (energy shifts, public health laws, technology transitions)

It assumes limits as fixed, rather than shaped by policy, innovation, and pressure
Ignores that many “impossible” transitions are already underway (renewables, EV adoption, regulation)

Better response: focus on specific barriers and how to overcome them instead of assuming total failure

05/22/2026

Part 11 of our Discourse of Climate Delay Series: Doomism 💥

Doomism is the belief that climate change has already progressed beyond the point of effective mitigation, framing catastrophic outcomes as unavoidable and discouraging efforts to reduce further harm.

Why is Doomism Problematic?
It Discourages Action When Action Is Still Crucial.
-IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) says that we still have time to make the necessary changes to live in a sustainable world.
There is no deadline, It is alway better to act sooner. The longer we wait, the more catastrophic it will become.

How can you address this discourse?
Focus on Agency, Not Perfection
-Doomism often paralyzes people because the problem feels too big.
-You don’t need to “solve” climate change alone. Collective action is far more impactful than individual purity.
-Support policies, not just personal lifestyle changes
-Join local or campus climate groups
-Advocate within institutions you’re part of

The Discourses of Climate Delay, developed in a 2020 Global Sustainability article, describe different types of climate rhetoric that discourage or delay necessary climate action.

05/21/2026

🚨 Deadline is tomorrow May 22nd for HII's Paid Urban Environmental Health Lab Fellowship!

🌳 APPLY NOW: https://ow.ly/XTYy50Z2JSR

Are you an NYC-based community advocate, a member working in public health, environmental justice or climate ready to turn ideas into impact? The Urban Environmental Health Lab (UEHL) Fellowship is a paid opportunity that brings together NYC climate artists and members of the local community to explore urban environmental health through storytelling, education, and community impact. No prior climate experience needed!

Fellows will gain hands-on experience through mentorships, workshops, and field trips while co-creating a project to be showcased during Climate Week NYC 2026. Connect with a powerful network of leaders, and help amplify community-driven climate solutions.

✨ Whether you’re shaping narratives or working on the frontlines of environmental justice, this is your chance to collaborate, and make your impact visible. Apply now!

05/20/2026

Check out this Climate Good News! 📰 🌸

1. College Students Launch Initiative to Stop Herbicide Use Across Campuses: Two students at UC Berkeley launch a non-profit called Re:wild Your Campus, providing college students with the resources to transform campuses into biodiverse spaces for pollinators

2. First Conference for the Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels: Fifty-seven countries gathered in Santa Marta, Colombia, for the first conference focused on transitioning away from fossil fuels, discussing practical alternatives to coal, oil, and gas.

3. Climate Protest Crackdowns May Backfire: A study of 1,300 climate activists found that arrests, fines, and prison sentences may strengthen protesters’ determination instead of discouraging disruptive climate demonstrations.

4. New Nature Library Opening In Colorado: A new Anythink Library will open this August, offering an environmentally friendly design with geothermal energy and more than 300 solar panels to generate electricity.

05/19/2026

Last Tuesday, we gathered at TECO for an intimate ClimART Cafe as part of the 2026 Creative Climate Awards: Collective Power. The conversation invited participants to reflect on climate emotions, explore the role of creativity in shaping hope, and connect art with environmental justice. Through this community exchange, we were able to highlight the power of coming together and explore how dialogue can spark ideas and action.

05/18/2026

Earlier this month Tara DePorte, Founder and Executive Director of HII, joined the World Beautiful Business Forum in Athens, Greece where she spoke on mass mobilization and imagining radically beautiful futures.

As part of the Athens Regenerative Exchange at the historic Stock Exchange, she contributed to an interactive, cross-sector experience rethinking economic systems through regenerative ideas and collaboration. She also presented at a “more-than-human democracy” session where she engaged of 200+ and left a strong impression of HII’s work at the intersection of climate, culture, and collective action.

The World Beautiful Business Forum is a global gathering that brings together leaders across business, art, technology, and social impact to rethink the future of the economy. Rather than a traditional conference, it focuses on creativity, collaboration, and human-centered solutions to today’s biggest challenges like climate change and inequality. The goal is to inspire more regenerative, inclusive, and sustainable ways of doing business.

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Brooklyn, NY

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+19177279761

Website

http://humanimpactsinstitute.org/

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