Hopeful Futures

Society

The Hopeful Futures project invited a group of Londoners to take part in a series of deliberative workshops to reimagine what a well-adapted London could look like by 2050, and the steps we can take to get there. The project had a particular focus on adapting to rising temperatures, and explored how to integrate lived experience testimony and creative practice to support constructive and future-focused conversations on climate change.

The Hopeful Futures team brought together researchers and practitioners from across King’s, including the Policy Institute, Department of Geography, King’s Culture, Science Gallery London, and Department of Political Economy. The project was delivered in partnership with London Councils as part of the London Councils Climate Programme, and involved partners from Policy Lab, the London Boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark and Tower Hamlets, and artists Angela YT Chan and Good Studio – a Lambeth-based riso-print studio run by Jo Brinton.

This work was funded by King’s College London’s Climate and Sustainability Seed Fund.

Aims

To test novel approaches within deliberative settings, to open up more hopeful, constructive and future-focused conversations about policy choices on climate change.
To develop visions and priorities for what a well-adapted London could look like from local residents, tackling a gap identified by London local authorities.
To complement existing KCL investments using culture and creativity to engage the public on climate and sustainability, to open dialogues and set new research agendas with our local communities.