“Terrains Of Climate: A Geography of Responsible Practices” Keynote for the 59th Annual Geography Conference University of Calgary. March 25.

Terrains Of Climate: A Geography of Responsible Practices

Abstract

This keynote addresses three key definitions and scales of “climate” to make a larger argument about the interconnections between the environment and human relations within conditions of colonial-capitalism. We begin by discussing ‘climate change’ in relation to settler colonialism, then to the professional ‘climate of academia’, and end with ‘climate denial’, by questioning the responsibilities and ethics of accountability of researchers – particularly settler researchers. The larger goal of this talk is to think through white settler complicity in a multitude of “climate” contexts, and make clear connections between the who, what, and why of academic research as a political strategy. This keynote serves as a starting point for deeper thinking about ‘denial’ as a political strategy with significant impacts on humanity and planet.