Naomi Klein & Dr. Kendra Jewell will lead an interactive discussion on the power of fantastical conspiracy theories in the climate world, from hurricanes in Florida and wildfires in Canada to climate denialism more generally.
Erin Blondeau and Chris Russill will join as experts on the Canadian context to explore how increased mis/disinformation is creating confusion, fueling of far-right policies, exacerbating threats to Indigenous rights, and stymieing public will for climate action.
About the Speakers:
Naomi Klein is Co-Director of University of British Columbia’s Centre for Climate Justice and an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography. She is a New York Times bestselling author of nine books, an award-winning journalist, and a columnist with The Guardian. The New York Times called This Changes Everything (2014) “The most momentous and contentious environmental book since Silent Spring” and her 2023 book Doppelganger follows up on its themes with a deep dive into conspiracy culture, examining its impacts on public health and the climate crisis, among other themes.
Dr. Kendra Jewell is a researcher and project manager with roots in environmental justice and anthropology. They grew up as a settler on traditional Kumeyaay territory and studied at UCLA before completing a PhD at UBC (2023). Prior to joining the CCJ, Kendra researched and wrote an ethnography analyzing climate change impacts and cultures of denial in Coastal Florida. From 2021-2023, Kendra acted as the research manager for Naomi Klein’s most recent book, Doppelganger.
Erin Blondeau is a Métis mom living and working on the west coast of so-called British Columbia on unceded Quw’utsun territory. With over a decade of communications experience, she has worked in roles focused on anti-racism, graphic design, and climate justice. She holds a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, with particular interest in climate communication and conspiracy theories. Erin serves as the communications director at the Climate Emergency Unit while also working as a freelance writer and journalist covering fascism, the climate crisis, conspiracy theories, and Indigenous rights.
Chris Russill is an Associate Professor in the School of Journalism and Communication and Academic Director at Re.Climate, a centre for climate communication and public engagement, both housed at Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada. He has researched and taught climate communication for over twenty years at universities in Canada, the U.S., and New Zealand. His current work focuses on problems of disinformation in their relevance to public engagement with climate change and energy transition. Earlier this year, he released Flame Wars, a report on misinformation during wildfires in Canada with partners at McGill and the civic sector. He has lectured widely on these topics and is a frequent commentator in media (Canadian Press; CBC; Postmedia; AFP Canada; France 24; CTV news; National Observer; Narwhal; Gas Outlook).