Opening Keynote: The Story is a Forest

"The Story is a Forest" examines climate change communications at different scales—from peer-to-peer conversations to global media. The talk argues that a good faith, one-on-one conversation is the most resilient but diminutive form of engagement on climate change. While narratives relating to intergenerational responsibility, public health and a re-imagined concept of prosperity are particularly effective at inspiring large audiences towards action—yet are less resilient, and are particularly vulnerable to being co-opted. These micro and macro approaches also offer an entry point to lasting change: A deeper confrontation with—and transformation of—our relationship to the environment, each other and ourselves.