Ep. 17 | Design as Commons, Oases, and a Changing Climate | Dr. Safouan Azouzi

Harvard Islamica Podcast by Harvard Islamic Studies

Episode notes

In the first podcast episode of our "Climate Change and Muslim Societies" series, Dr. Safouan Azouzi discusses his research on Design for Social Innovation. Design, historically rooted in Eurocentric perspectives tied to capitalism and overconsumption, has contributed significantly to the climate crisis, disproportionately affecting the poor and disadvantaged. Safouan questions how Design, originating from the Global North, can be used by eco-social movements in the Global South as a tool for change that sustains their struggle. His focus is on decolonizing design and integrating it with alternative economics to promote sustainable futures.

Safouan examines the impact of extractive capitalism and water issues in Tunisia's oases, where social, ecological, and political factors intersect. His research underscores the urgent need to revive ind ... 

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