How to cope with the despair caused by climate change? In the “Climate Change Comedy Hour,” environmental historian Aaron Sachs will use a combination of gallows humor, history and silly videos to show how we can shift our attitude about climate change -- and how that shift might help us get to the next stage of climate activism.

The presentation will be at 5:15 p.m. on Nov. 2, in Lewis Auditorium in Goldwin Smith Hall. The event is free and the public is invited.

“Only a less traumatized citizenry will be able to replace the fossil-fuel economy. Fortunately, dark comedy has a long track record of helping people gain some purchase on impossible situations,” said Sachs, professor of history in the College of Arts and Sciences. 

The multi-media “Comedy Hour” embodies the message of Sachs’ recent book, “Stay Cool: Why Dark Comedy Matters in the Fight Against Climate Change” (April 2023, NYU Press): how laughter can give you strength to persevere even when things seem most hopeless.

Read the full story on the College of Arts and Sciences website.