Associate Professor Tanhum Yoreh has been awarded a LEAF+ Grant to support his new initiative, Civil Discourse and Depolarization in Environmental Education, housed at the University of Toronto’s School of the Environment. The project responds to an urgent need for students to develop the skills required to navigate disagreement constructively, particularly in the environmental arena where debates are often highly polarized.
Environmental discourse frequently foregrounds progressive perspectives, but this initiative intentionally broadens the conversation by integrating conservative and faith-based viewpoints that have historically contributed to environmental stewardship yet remain underrepresented in academic settings. By engaging with a wider spectrum of ideas, students learn to approach contentious topics with empathy, curiosity, and respect.
The project introduces a civil discourse framework built around interactive workshops, structured reflection, and guided practice. Through these activities, students will develop tools for recognizing polarization, identifying shared values, and communicating effectively across ideological differences—skills essential for collaboration and leadership in diverse communities.
This initiative supports the University of Toronto’s broader commitment to strengthening civil discourse and directly aligns with recommendations from the Working Group on Civil Discourse. It represents a step toward preparing students to engage thoughtfully and respectfully with the complex environmental challenges facing society today.