Thursday, October 16 2025, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST
Presenters:
Description:
Two mythic figures. Two cautionary tales. In this playful keynote, Beth Osnes-Stoedefalke (University of Colorado) joins Emerson’s Matt McMahan (Comedic Studies) to explore how myth and comedy can re-story the climate crisis. Through the lenses of Cassandra and Superman (yes—costumes included), they unpack how narratives bias our expectations, why doom can stall action, and how humor opens imaginative, generative paths forward. Featuring real-world “climate comedy” examples and audience Q&A.
Semel Theater, Tufte PPC
Sustainable Development Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
The United Nations highlights the importance of this goal, stating "The global temperature has already risen 1.1ºC above the pre-industrial level, with glaciers melting and the sea level rising. Impacts of climate change also includes flooding and drought, displacing millions of people, sinking them into poverty and hunger, denying them access to basic services, such as health and education, expanding inequalities, stifling economic growth and even causing conflict. By 2030, an estimated 700 million people will be at risk of displacement by drought alone."