June 6th, 2025

Last June, we had the opportunity of speaking at What Design Can Do, an international festival that harnesses the power of design to advance sustainability and social justice.The event brought together creative thinkers and changemakers from around the world to explore how design can tackle some of the planet’s most urgent challenges.

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We participated in the panel discussion titled “The Stories That Shape Tomorrow,” alongside Earthrise Studio and Imagine5 - two trailblazing organizations using storytelling to spark environmental and social change. Together, we explored how narratives can shift perspectives, challenge dominant paradigms, and catalyze long-term action on climate issues.

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The conversation centered on the idea that storytelling is more than communication - it’s a strategic tool for transformation. Facts alone rarely move people, but stories rooted in human experience can build emotional connection and inspire empathy. Whether it’s through documentary, digital media, or community-based storytelling, the power of narrative lies in its ability to make the abstract tangible and the overwhelming actionable.

We discussed the need to go beyond fear-based messaging, which often leads to paralysis rather than progress. Instead, we emphasized the importance of hope, resilience, human-nature, and imagination in climate storytelling. By spotlighting real-life solutions, elevating marginalized voices, and envisioning positive futures, we can help people see themselves as part of the solution - and inspire them to act.

The panel served as a powerful reminder that stories shape culture, and culture shapes policy and behavior. If we want to create a just and sustainable world, we must first imagine it - and invite others to imagine it with us.