Noted social activist and author Naomi Klein will speak this month on capitalism and the environment at the University of Guelph.
The event, to be held Sept. 12 at 1 p.m. at War Memorial Hall, is part of the 2015 Eden Mills Writers’ Festival. “In Conversation with Naomi Klein” is sponsored by the College of Arts and the College of Biological Science.
Klein will talk about her new book, This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate. University of Guelph professor emeritus Barry Smit, Geography, will moderate a discussion. A book signing will also take place.
Klein’s book argues that slashing greenhouse emissions is the best way to reduce inequalities among people.
Calling the volume “compelling, comprehensive and controversial,” Smit said, “I hope that people with quite different views about environment, society, capitalism and the future well-being of the Earth and its inhabitants would be open to well-researched, clearly articulated ideas on these matters.”
Klein says reducing dependence on fossil fuels involves reining in corporate power, rebuilding local economies and reclaiming democracy.
Smit has worked on climate and development in over 30 countries, and was a member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that was awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.
“Scientists have attempted to get our insights communicated to as wide an audience as possible, but our impact has been modest compared to the impact of this book,” he said.
“In Conversation provides an opportunity for more people to become aware of the ideas in the book. I hope the audience includes people with a wide range of views. People can hear from Naomi Klein and ask questions, whether they come to the event with a particular ideology or not. ”
Tickets are $10 general ($5 for students) and are available at the Bookshelf, EMWFtix.ca and at the event.