Think Global. Design Local.

When I was working at a natural food grocery store in college, I would often see the phrase, "Think Global. Act Local." on bumper stickers in the parking lot. 

It never really occurred to me what that meant until I graduated and started working in the social impact space.

During that time, I collaborated with folks working on issues and challenges ranging from health to education, from community building to local business development.

Being nomadic during this time, I saw the same themes being address again and again with each new place I called home.

Each project under a theme had similar goals, but different approaches based on specific needs, resources, and organizations within that community. 

Since 2016, I've been paying more attention to how climate breakdown has been affecting and will affect places and communities around the world. A large coastal city will have its share of challenges and issues that are different than a small town in the middle of a country.

It's important to remember that our climate emergency will affect every town, region, area differently.

Food security, transportation, and resilience are some of the themes being addressed by people and orgs around the globe, but the approaches, specifics, and outcomes are different. 

And this is why "Think Global. Act Local." is crucial. 

Thinking globally allows us to see our planet as a living system, interconnected and balanced with all life on this planet, both human and non-human. Acting locally allows us to focus on how to achieve this working with specific needs, resources, and organizations within that community. 

And if we all address a challenge or opportunity under a theme at the local level, we will inspire others halfway around the world to reach a similar goal, working with people and orgs in that area. 

Think Global. Design Local.

I believe that designers need to learn about the climate organizations, initiatives, and policies in their area so they become aware of what’s going on and can use their skills and talents in supporting these efforts. This could be volunteering nights and weekends or bringing in insights, using local resources, or implementing changes inside of their existing workplace.

This is why we created Climate Designers Chapters Month, a series of local events from our chapters and hubs for our global community. 

It's a great opportunity for designers to connect with their peers and others in their area to:

• share ideas, challenges, and successes in taking climate action
• learn about local solutions and approaches
• find collaborators to start climate-focused projects
• learn how to implement new frameworks and approaches in their work

There are many broad stroke climate solutions and approaches that exist today. Let's be inspired by this while also modifying/localizing what we believe is needed with the people and organizations around us to create what we know is best for our communities.

If you want to "think global and design local" then start a Climate Designers chapter of your own.