The Department of Communication, the Master of Communication in Digital Media, University Libraries, and the College of the Environment at the University of Washington present:

SEAchange 2011
From Exxon Valdez to Deepwater Horizon:
Telling Tales of Environmental Disaster,
Justice, and Recovery

Saturday, April 2, 2011
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Research Commons at Allen Library
University of Washington, Seattle

One year ago last April, the catastrophic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico inspired citizens, scientists, engineers, lawyers, and others to fill what they saw as an information vacuum, while federal officials and mainstream media outlets struggled to accurately tell a story that amplified and morphed at breakneck speed. Newly influential storytellers, along with enterprising journalists and government agencies, used YouTube, Twitter, compelling visuals, cutting-edge science, blogs, and humor to make sense of a complicated set of events.

Twenty-two years ago this April, in a very different media era, another disastrous oil spill occurred in Prince William Sound, Alaska. In the two decades between these events, lawyers, environmental advocates, journalists, and researchers have told the story of the Exxon Valdez spill in varying degrees of depth and with a range of tools — from news articles, legal briefs, and documentaries to scholarly investigations and public art exhibits.

What do the narrative responses produced by these two disasters tell us about the powerful ties between storytelling, our environment, and social justice? What lessons from the 20th Century are useful for people who are still working to tell the story of the BP Deepwater Horizon blowout and its ensuing oil spill in the 21st Century? On the anniversaries of both spills, what can we learn about the stewardship of Puget Sound?

Join this important conversation. SEAchange 2011 will feature scientists, fishermen, technologists, chefs and a multitude of interdisciplinary thought leaders for a refreshing day of shared learning. At stake are ecosystems and public health, professional livelihoods, government and media credibility, and deep notions of justice and responsibility. Help explore how we as a society of modern consumers confront the many environmental ills that all of us have a hand in creating.

Can't Attend?

Unable to  participate in person? Enjoy the benefits of live streaming and online forums by registering as a virtual attendee. Social 27 offers  live access to the main stage presentations, event resources, interactive discussion forums with SEAchange attendees, and features that will keep you engaged from a distance. Click on the link below to register for the Virtual Summit.