Climate Constellations: A Systemic Tool for Exploring Sustainability Transitions

Cathy Macharis ()
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Cathy Macharis: Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Systemic Practice and Action Research, 2025, vol. 38, issue 2, No 9, 17 pages

Abstract: Abstract Climate Constellations adapt systemic constellation methods from family therapy to sustainability contexts, offering an experiential way to explore complex climate system dynamics. By engaging participants physically and emotionally in representing elements of socio-ecological systems, this approach can foster transformative learning and reveal hidden leverage points for change. We implemented Climate Constellations in several settings (a university sustainability course, professional workshops, a research team session, and an informal community group) to examine how this embodied systemic inquiry might shift participants’ perspectives. Qualitative observations and participant feedback consistently indicated heightened systems awareness, empathy, and personal engagement with climate issues. While careful facilitation is required, these case studies suggest Climate Constellations can be a powerful catalyst for reflection and learning in sustainability transitions.

Keywords: Climate constellations; Sustainability transitions; Systems thinking; Transformative learning; Experiential learning; Participatory methods; Climate change (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s11213-025-09722-5

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