Can Cities Stay Social in Extreme Heat?
Rajji Desai
As temperatures rise, public life is increasingly pushed indoors, where air-conditioned comfort can come at the cost of social connection. In this talk, Rajji Desai, urban climate researcher-designer with CBT Architects, will explore how designing for thermal comfort can extend outdoor activity, strengthen community wellbeing, and foster more resilient, people-centered cities, even in some of the world’s hottest environments.
Climate Arcana: Tarot for a Heating World
Rajji Desai
Tarot has historically been a guide in times of uncertainty, uncovering hidden truths and unarticulated fears. Within a climate discourse too often mired in either denial or blind optimism, tarot provides another possibility for a heating world. Artist Rajji Desai created Climate Arcana, reimagining the traditional tarot deck as a bridge for climate storytelling, allowing each reader to imagine alternative climate futures.
Deep Mapping Rivers in Coalition-Based Research
Sarah Kelly
From the Willimapu (Mapuche-Williche territory in southern Chile) to the Black River Valley of Vermont, with Sarah Kelly, lecturer in geography at Dartmouth College.
From Computer Science to Center Stage
Vienna Teng
Acclaimed singer-songwriter, performing artist, and creative entrepreneur Vienna Teng will lead an inspiring conversation about her journey from studying computer science and working at Cisco Systems, a leading technology company, to pursuing a full-time music career.
