Climate Conversations About a Hot & Uncertain Future

How do we talk ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE IN EVERYDAY LIFE BEYOND COLD HARD FACTS AND STATISTICS, in polarizing hot-takes or alarming headlines? This workshop is designed for the curious -- no science background required. In geologic terms, fossil fuel pollution from coal, oil, and gas has catapulted US out of a stable CLIMATE IN WHICH HUMAN CIVILIZATION EVOLVED. We are entering the hotter and uncertain climate of the Anthropocene [http://humanorigins.si.edu/research/age-humans-evolutionary-perspectives-anthropocene] (the geologic epoch we are entering, defined by human influence in every biogeochemical system on earth). The Yale Climate Opinion Maps [https://climatecommunication.yale.edu/visualizations-data/ycom-us/] show that two-thirds of people here in King County are worried about climate change, yet half of us rarely or never even speak of it. Silence on an issue of such importance guts our collective capacity to grow up and reckon with this reality. In this interactive workshop, Judy will share how she mixes science, poetry, and music to promote new ways of connecting to the evidence of climate change. Recognizing that democratic change happens one conversation at a time, we will explore practices to spark genuine, empathetic climate conversations with friends, family, communities, and workplaces. FEATURED SPEAKER Judy Twedt (she/her) has a masters degree in Atmospheric Sciences and is a PhD Candidate in CLIMATE COMMUNICATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON. A National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow, her CLIMATE SOUNDTRACKS HAVE BEEN AIRED ON NPR, PBS, Canadian Public Broadcasting, NOAA’s Science on a Sphere, and live for TEDx SEATTLE. She is a fifth-generation settler on Coast Salish land, a UW instructor in CLIMATE WRITING AND SUSTAINABILITY STUDIES, and speaks regularly ABOUT CLIMATE SCIENCE AND COMMUNICATION FOR BOTH GENERAL AND TECHNICAL AUDIENCES. More information at www.judytwedt.com [http://www.judytwedt.com].