'Climate and culture' - a guest lecture by University of Birmingham alumnus Adam Met

In this lecture, Adam Met examines how cultural systems: music, media, institutions, and collective identity, shape public understanding and political action on climate. If the scientific consensus is strong, why does durable policy remain fragile? Why do certain narratives mobilize while others dissipate?

Drawing on his work as a climate researcher, educator, and cultural practitioner, Adam explores how meaning is constructed long before legislation is passed. He traces the feedback loop between storytelling and systems change, arguing that culture functions as a form of civic infrastructure: it sets norms, distributes attention, and defines what feels possible.

The lecture offers students a framework for analyzing and influencing that ecosystem: connecting research, communication, and strategy to the broader project of social progress.

Adam Met, PhD, is a musician, educator, and advocate. As the “A” in the multi-Platinum band AJR, he tours worldwide and brings infectious indie-pop music to millions of fans, while using his reach and expertise to advance social justice and fair solutions to the global climate emergency.

He recently published his debut book, Amplify: How to Use the Power of Connection to Engage, Take Action, and Build a Better World, which received critical acclaim and several best-seller awards.

Adam received the 2024 TIME Earth Award and was named a New York Times Changemaker for his work as founder and executive director of climate advocacy nonprofit Planet Reimagined, which develops research and strategies to foster change locally and internationally. Planet Reimagined uses a unique action-research model, trains and engages the climate leaders of the future, and uses media and strategic advocacy to mobilize climate action.

Adam works closely with the White House and US Congress on bipartisan renewable energy policy. He is on the board of the Environmental Defense Fund. He is also a sustainability advocate for the United Nations Development Programme and serves on the advisory boards of nonprofits including Climate Power and Reverb.

As an adjunct professor at Columbia University, Adam uses his expertise from his PhD in human rights law and sustainable development, and his experience as an advocate, to teach about climate policy and campaigning.

Adam has been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Quartz, MSNBC and ABC. He is a frequent contributor to TIME and a regular commentator on climate issues for CNN. He also has brought climate messages to entertainment outlets including MTV, Rolling Stone, Billboard Magazine, People, Pollstar, Grammy.com and the Hollywood Reporter.