Marquette’s 2023 Nieman Symposium to look at journalism and the climate crisis, Feb. 23

Feb. 16, 2023

MILWAUKEE — Marquette University’s Diederich College of Communication’s 2023 Lucius W. Nieman Symposium will gather journalists, experts and environmental justice activists in a virtual format to discuss how journalism can be best deployed to push for better responses to the climate crisis. The virtual lecture will be held Thursday, Feb. 23, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Climate change has been acknowledged as a major threat to international peace and security. From natural disasters to economic disruption, climate change has become a catalyst for social inequity and even violent conflict worldwide. The global scale and far-reaching consequences of the climate crisis pose a particularly difficult challenge to journalists who attempt to provide the public with the information they need to make sensible decisions. 

The panel will be moderated by Dr. Ayleen Cabas-Mijares, assistant professor of journalism and media studies, and will feature:

  • Brenda Coley, co-executive director of Milwaukee Water Commons
  • Yessenia Funes, an environmental journalist and climate director of Atmos
  • Dr. Samantha Majhor, assistant professor of English at Marquette

Panelists will reflect on how journalism has facilitated and hindered the work of environmental justice activists and organizations as well as discuss how journalists can empower audiences — particularly minoritized ones — to enact change. 

Registration to attend the Nieman Symposium is free and available online. Media wishing to cover the symposium, or speak with panelists, should contact Kevin Conway, associate director of university communication, at kevin.m.conway@marquette.edu.

The Lucius W. Nieman Symposium, named after the founder of The Milwaukee Journal, Lucius W. Nieman, is an annual event sponsored by the J. William and Mary Diederich College of Communication.

About Marquette University

Marquette University is a Catholic, Jesuit university located near the heart of downtown Milwaukee that offers a comprehensive range of majors in 11 nationally and internationally recognized colleges and schools. Through the formation of hearts and minds, Marquette prepares our 11,100 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional students to lead, excel and serve as agents of positive change. And, we deliver results. Ranked in the top 20% of national universities, Marquette is recognized for its undergraduate teaching, innovation and career preparation as the sixth-best university in the country for job placement. Our focus on student success and immersive, personalized learning experiences encourages students to think critically and engage with the world around them. When students graduate with a Marquette degree, they are truly prepared and called to Be The Difference.

About Kevin Conway

Kevin Conway

Kevin is the associate director for university communication in the Office of University Relations. Contact Kevin at (414) 288-4745 or kevin.m.conway@marquette.edu.