We are developing a model for social change powered by empathy.
Climate change is one of the most urgent threats, yet it feels far away for to many people. We are Before It’s Too Late (BITL), a nonprofit initiative founded by MIT graduate students and based in Miami, FL to leverage arts, technology and science to ignite urgency and collaboration toward addressing climate change. #beforeitstoolate
Can we use art & technology to change perspective?
MIT meets Miami to create an initiative
at the intersection of art, technology and science
Art
We are harnessing the ancient art of storytelling and the power of visualization to shift perspectives and paradigms. We are partnering with artists to bring experiences to life. |
Technology
We have positioned ourselves at the forefront of media and edtech innovation to elicit maximal interactivity and engagement. We are leveraging technology to empower the new generation of leaders. |
Science
We are collaborating with MIT and other research institutions to implement the latest insights on communication, solutions, design and motivation. We test, iterate and publish tools so they can spread. |
BITL featured in The New Yorker:
Letter from Linda Cheung
Dear Agent of Change,
We are already living beyond our planet’s carrying capacity. Yet population and consumption continues to grow and add to the problem. We are not taking appropriate action as a society to address this issue, and we are running out of time to avert the unimaginably worst case scenarios. Never has humankind faced an issue so large, because it encompasses all the major systems that support our livelihood including our food, water, energy, transportation and economy. Underlying all the changes, it will require us shifting to a new worldview that is intricately connected with Mother Nature - our source for everything that makes life possible.
While this sort of radical shift will require change from our largest institutions, the corporations and governments who shape our markets and policies, We the People carry the responsibility for spurring these paradigm shifts through our collective power.
Sustainability is often considered a “sacrifice”, but how can you learn to see that it is also about enhancing your wellness? And that how you treat the world is how you also treat yourself. More things don't make us happier. Chasing money and achievements is only a rat race, and it doesn't make us happier. Take time off to reflect and go deep into your soul. What does make you happy? What gives you meaning in this gift called your life?
Our fight on climate change is only a mirror to a greater change that needs to happen with our government and economic systems. How do we make our systems work for the people, and not us for them? After all, we invented Society, Law and Money as tools to build a more abundant world together. Our fight to mitigate climate change isn't just about facts and figures. Most of all, it is about creating cultural change stemming from empathy and wisdom.
The challenge we face is daunting. Yet we must lead the change or face the harsh consequences. Change needs to start with each of us. #itstartswithus #bethechange
Sincerely,
Linda Cheung, Founder of Before It’s Too Late
We are already living beyond our planet’s carrying capacity. Yet population and consumption continues to grow and add to the problem. We are not taking appropriate action as a society to address this issue, and we are running out of time to avert the unimaginably worst case scenarios. Never has humankind faced an issue so large, because it encompasses all the major systems that support our livelihood including our food, water, energy, transportation and economy. Underlying all the changes, it will require us shifting to a new worldview that is intricately connected with Mother Nature - our source for everything that makes life possible.
While this sort of radical shift will require change from our largest institutions, the corporations and governments who shape our markets and policies, We the People carry the responsibility for spurring these paradigm shifts through our collective power.
Sustainability is often considered a “sacrifice”, but how can you learn to see that it is also about enhancing your wellness? And that how you treat the world is how you also treat yourself. More things don't make us happier. Chasing money and achievements is only a rat race, and it doesn't make us happier. Take time off to reflect and go deep into your soul. What does make you happy? What gives you meaning in this gift called your life?
Our fight on climate change is only a mirror to a greater change that needs to happen with our government and economic systems. How do we make our systems work for the people, and not us for them? After all, we invented Society, Law and Money as tools to build a more abundant world together. Our fight to mitigate climate change isn't just about facts and figures. Most of all, it is about creating cultural change stemming from empathy and wisdom.
The challenge we face is daunting. Yet we must lead the change or face the harsh consequences. Change needs to start with each of us. #itstartswithus #bethechange
Sincerely,
Linda Cheung, Founder of Before It’s Too Late