Prime Minister Trudeau's advice to kids about climate change

TORONTO, November 28, 2016, Toronto --- Kids aged 9–12 from Toronto reached out to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with questions about climate change. At a time when climate denialism seems poised to drive future energy and environmental policy in Washington, DC, the Canadian Prime Minister answered these challenging questions head-on via a series of video responses posted to his Twitter feed @JustinTrudeau (external link, opens in new window) . Watch a compilation (external link, opens in new window)  of all questions and answers here. The public can continue to join in the talks @RICgallery (external link, opens in new window)  using the hashtag #climatetalks.

Trudeau’s participation marks the latest iteration of Climate Talks (external link, opens in new window) , a documentary project created earlier this year by Toronto-based art collective Madeleine Co. (external link, opens in new window)  and commissioned by the Ryerson Image Centre (opens in new window)  (RIC) in conjunction with the RIC’s current exhibition The Edge of the Earth: Climate Change in Photography and Video (opens in new window) . In this new episode, the children from Toronto’s Parkdale neighbourhood aimed their questions toward the father, former school teacher, and leader of Canada.

In the original series of videos, this same group initiates conversations with adults about their hopes, fears and failings as they confront a future impacted by climate change. Earlier participants range from parents and teachers to artists, activists and politicians, including renowned photographer Edward Burtynsky, Toronto city councillor Gord Perks and Canadian MP Julie Dzerowicz. Climate Talks brings honesty, humour and refreshing candour into a deeply polarizing discussion around the impending threat faced by future generations. All episodes, including this latest one featuring the Prime Minister, are available at www.climatetalks.ca (external link, opens in new window) .

On view at the Ryerson Image Centre through December 4, 2016, The Edge of the Earth: Climate Change in Photography and Video questions traditional views and challenges our environmental consciousness, while attempting to foster a reconsideration of climate change. The exhibition features recent and historic work by a range of pioneering and visionary artists from around the world, including Amy Balkin, Raymond Boisjoly, Edward Burtynsky, Peter Goin, Naoya Hatakeyama, Isabelle Hayeur, Mishka Henner, Chris Jordan, Richard Misrach, Evariste Richer, Joel Sternfeld and Sharon Stewart. Photojournalism from the RIC’s famed Black Star Collection is also included, contextualizing artistic reflections alongside half a century of historical reportage on the environment.

The Edge of the Earth is generously supported by Cineplex Media and Invesco, and by media sponsors Toronto Life and Toronto Star. Climate Talks is made possible with generous support from the City of Toronto through Toronto Arts Council and ArtReach Toronto.

Madeleine Co. is a Toronto-based art collective reimagining social issues through experiential storytelling and multimedia art. Projects include: theCreative Catalyst symposium on art and social change, internationally touring walking performance These are the People in Your Neighbourhood, and Let's Imagine Canada's Future commissioned by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Madeleine Co. has been featured in festivals such as Scotiabank Nuit Blanche, Luminato, and Art of the Danforth. Learn more about past projects at www.madeleineco.com (external link, opens in new window) 

The Ryerson Image Centre (RIC) exists for the research, teaching and exhibition of photography and related media. We are an active partner within the academic fabric of Ryerson University, the cultural network of greater Toronto, and the national and international artistic community. We develop rigorous yet inclusive programs for students, faculty, artists, researchers and curators, as well as the general public. The RIC boasts three interrelated areas of activity. Our exhibition program addresses topics of social, cultural, aesthetic and historical concern from a variety of contemporary perspectives. Our Peter Higdon Research Centre conducts and facilitates inquiry into primary resource materials and offers workshops, lectures, symposia and publication programs. Finally, we maintain a collection of photography spanning the medium’s history, as well as several artist and journalism archives—including the renowned Black Star Collection of twentieth century photoreportage. For more information, visit https://www.torontomu.ca/ric (opens in new window) 

Ryerson University is Canada's leader in innovative, career-oriented education and a university clearly on the move. With a mission to serve societal need, and a long-standing commitment to engaging its community, Ryerson offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. Distinctly urban, culturally diverse and inclusive, the university is home to more than 41,500 students, including 2,400 master's and PhD students, 3,200 faculty and staff, and nearly 170,000 alumni worldwide. Research at Ryerson is on a trajectory of success and growth: externally funded research has doubled in the past five years. The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education is Canada's leading provider of university-based adult education. For more information, visit https://www.torontomu.ca

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Media Contact:

Erin Warner, Ryerson Image Centre
erin.warner@torontomu.ca 
416 979 5000 x7032
@RICgallery