Jackie Andrade

How to fall in love with the future

The problems of human-caused climate change and environmental damage can seem overwhelming but there is hope in the form of projects that have already taken huge steps towards a greener, happier and fairer future. We shall explore real-world sustainability and social justice projects, as narrated by Transition Town founder Rob Hopkins, as a vehicle for analysing the psychology that underpins them. The module will focus on the role of imagination in desire, motivation, and action, concluding with some ideas on how you can harness mental imagery to motivate yourself and those around you. Although our focus will be on sustainability, the psychological lessons will be relevant to any behaviour change. Whether it is losing weight, building resilience or saving the planet, the first step is imagining the future you want.

Readings

Hopkins, R. (2019). From What Is to What If: Unleashing the Power of the Imagination to Create the Future We Want. Chelsea Green Publishing.

Hopkins, R. (2025). How to Fall in Love with the Future: A Time Traveller’s Guide to Changing the World. Chelsea Green Publishing

Kavanagh, D. J., Andrade, J., & May, J. (2005). Imaginary relish and exquisite torture: the elaborated intrusion theory of desire. Psychological Review, 112(2), 446-467. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295x.112.2.446