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Thomas Hamre, international policy and climate advisor, in an Elevate-Interview about the Festival theme Human Nature.

Thomas Hamre joins Elevate on Sunday, 08.03.2020, in the discussion about „Eco Emergency, Psychospiritual Crisis and Plant Medicine“.

Free entry at the Festival location Forum Stadtpark! -> Full programme info.

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Elevate's festival theme 2020 is "Human Nature". What's your second thought about it?

Have we played our part as a species on this planet already? Are humans simply to stupid and too greedy to live within its geophysical limits?
 

And your first?

Near unlimited potential, if we can get through the current crisis.
 

Quo Vadis Humanity? In 2009 Elevate's main theme was the climate crisis. 10 years have passed. Whats your take on the next 10?

The 20s is the most important decade so far, from global heating perspective this has to be when we figure out how to work together as a global community. The technical and economical solutions are there, but we don’t yet know how to implement these in the current political landscape.
 

The relationship of humans and technology - more reasons to be pessimistic or optimistic? Can you name some?

Neither.  Some people made a major effort to regulate broad AI, but failed. If we that’s a good thing or a bad thing we don’t know, but we might find out soon.
 

And our relationship with nature? Of course we are "part of it", but....where are we going?

In the wrong direction. WN-Cov just shows that we are still allowing trade and open borders with repressive and authoritarian nation-states despite repeated warning from experts that keeping more than 100 differs live species together in the horrible conditions imaginable and even eating these animals alive. As long as economic profit trumps ecocide warnings we have the odds against us.
 

"Psycho-spiritual crisis", "a psychotic society",... How bad is the status quo of humanity?

As bad as it’s been in recorded history. Depression, anxiety, suicides are spiralling out of control in the worst hit cities and countries. As is the use of alcohol and hard drugs to escape the harsh realities.
 

A message to the Elevate Festival community? What can we do?

Get involved in politics, go plantbased and drop all non-essential flights. Being part of the resistance will also help people staying sane, as well in the case of how Greta Thunberg overcame her depression.


Elevate features many amazing artists in the music & arts programme. Can we meet you on the Dancefloor too?

I wish - but I’ll be dialling in from São Paulo, só a virtual dance at the most :)

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Thomas Hamre joins Elevate on Sunday, 08.03.2020, in the discussion about „Eco Emergency, Psychospiritual Crisis and Plant Medicine“.

Free entry at the Festival location Forum Stadtpark! -> Full programme info.

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