Ben Kalina

To me, the term climate justice acknowledges that we, as a species, have altered earth’s operating systems—starting with the climate through GhG emissions—with a conscious understanding of the consequences of our actions and ultimately, with culpability. Claiming ignorance or doubting the results of our reliance on fossil fuels now is a crime of greed and willful ignorance. Justice requires us to take responsibility for our actions and agree on remedies for the harms we have created and the impacts to come. While those harms are inflicted most painfully on those with the least power, we must act inclusively to address the impacts felt by all members of society, other living creatures, and their ecosystems. 

As an educator, my goal is to help students connect their personal experiences, perspective, and morality to their academic pursuits. As a filmmaker, I have spent many years blending my values and life experience into my work. My interests and work reflect my concerns at the intersection between humanity and the planet, branching into social justice and equal opportunity, often by exploring political realms and spaces where these subjects are debated and shaped. I find that students create their most powerful, authentic, and poignant work when it is led by their core interests. It is my job to help them along that journey. 

An example of this approach is the class I co-created and have taught for four years called "Environmental Activism through Film" within the Film and Television Department. This class draws students from across the University, from Fashion Design to Math, Biology to Film. We watch a wide range of films together, and students moderate discussions with invited guests who speak to the films and the issues they raise. The students’ final capstone assignments have been “artivism” projects across a wide range of self-selected media from posters to short films to paintings, zines, upcycled clothing, etc. I would love to find a space for future classes to display their work for the broader Drexel community.