‘There’s desire for radical change among most Americans.’

A conversation for Drilled with Hanna E. Morris, author of ‘Apocalyptic Authoritarianism.’ Also: a newsletter update.

In June, I had the opportunity to speak with University of Toronto media scholar Hanna E. Morris about her new book, Apocalyptic Authoritarianism: Climate Crisis, Media, and Power, for Drilled.

As I wrote in the introduction to our conversation, Apocalyptic Authoritarianism makes an unsettling argument:

Whether they realize it or not, some climate journalists, obsessed with preserving a self-determined “moderate center,” are deploying some of the same tropes and reinforcing some of the same narratives as the extreme right. Even as they see themselves defending democracy and confronting the climate crisis, these media elites might be contributing to a prize sought by both the MAGA right and the fossil fuel industry: Preventing the emergence of a hopeful, democratic, and class-defying movement against climate change.

Head here to read an edited and condensed version of our conversation. To listen to the full Q&A, click or tap below—or search for “Drilled” wherever you get your podcasts.

This conversation with Morris is part of “Drilling Deep,” a new series for Drilled that features Q&As with authors, and possibly some additional book-related content as well. I’m excited to be able to contribute regularly to Drilled and to work with Amy Westervelt and the amazing team there.

I hope to keep publishing occasional articles and Sunday Conversations in this newsletter, and I’ll continue to share links to my work when it runs. But, alas, the frustratingly persistent and insurmountable limitations of time mean your inboxes will likely be reframed less frequently (at least by this newsletter) in the months ahead.

Thank you for reading and listening!