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CHANGING THE NARRATIVE
As Albert Einstein is credited with saying, “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results.” And yet, when it comes to climate change that is exactly what we are doing. We share the facts, offering the evidence and proclaim the dire predictions of what is to come. In other words, we keep telling the same story hoping that somehow the behaviors we hope to see, the behaviors we need to see, will result.
So, what will it take to move society from complacency, to concern, to committed action?
Stories can move hearts and minds and cultivate a sense of belonging and shared purpose. A compelling and trusted storyteller can be a powerful leader.
Hosted by Dr. Robin Cox, program Head for the MA in Climate Action Leadership program, this webinar will explore how shifting the story may offer a key to motivating citizens, businesses, and governments alike, to take the collective and transformative action necessary to shift the catastrophic trajectory we are on. Our panelists will share their insights into the power of stories to bridge the gap between understanding and taking action on climate change.
Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2021
Time: 9:00 am – 10:30 am (Pacific Time)
OUR PANELISTS
Johanna Wagstaffe, CBC News meteorologist and science host
Johanna is the meteorologist, seismologist and scientist for CBC Vancouver and CBC News Network. Wagstaffe’s academic background in seismology and earth science has led her to cover major seismic events, wildfires, hurricanes and the Copenhagen and Paris Climate Change conference. She has hosted three award-winning CBC podcasts including: Fault Lines, 2050: Degrees of Change, and is the author of several children’s science books.
Denise Withers, MSc, Narrative Strategist
After spending 20 years making award-winning documentaries for Discovery Channel, Denise returned to grad school to study the way we learn. Her research inspired her to develop “Story Design”, a new approach to creating change that helps us identify stories that stand in our way, and replace them with better ones that shows us how to move forward.
Since then, she’s helped clients across sectors use story design to do things like protect ecosystems, advance clean energy, reduce chronic disease and boost economic development. Her stories have been seen by millions around the world, on channels that include CBC, National Geographic, SSIR, the UN and Financial Post. In 2018, she helped two National Geographic photographers double the revenue, reach and impact of their ocean conservation non-profit in less than a year. Recently, she also published her first book and became a certified leadership coach. For fun, she hikes and paddles the wet coast with her dogs and starts campfires in the rain.
If you have any questions, contact an enrolment advisor at 1.877.778.6227 or learn.more@royalroads.ca