Howard E. Woodin Environmental Studies Colloquium Series

“Creating an Urgent and Inclusive Climate Change Narrative:  How We Get the Most Important Story On Track”

Frank Sesno ‘77, Professor of Media and Public Affairs, the George Washington University and Founding Director of Planet Forward

Alexander Cotnoir, Co-Founder and Program Coordinator for Planet Forward’s Ilíiaitchik: Indigenous Correspondents Program

We know that climate change threatens the planet in unprecedented and harrowing ways. But too often this story has been hijacked by bias, politics, profit, and self-interest. Too often, communities most affected by climate change have been excluded or ignored. The media, entrenched interests, and concerted disinformation campaigns are but a few of the forces at work to confuse and distract the public.  In this conversation, Middlebury alumnus, journalist, and founding director of Planet Forward, Frank Sesno will consider the unique and compelling story of climate change and speak with Alexander Cotnoir, Co-Founder of Planet Forward’s Ilíiaitchik Indigenous Correspondents Program and a citizen of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Tribe.  They’ll discuss the unique and urgent nature of this story, what media and the public should be focusing on, and what needs to be done to make this a properly inclusive mission.

Please use this Zoom link to join the virtual event.