Beyond the Shock Doctrine: A Conversation on Tariffs, Climate and Solidarity

Climate crisis.

Eroding social safety net. Colonialism. The rise of xenophobia and the far right. Just when we thought things couldn’t get worse, US broligarchs unleashed the threat of tariffs on the Canadian economy, leading to economic anxiety and corporate profiteering. Corporate-aligned governments of all stripes are profiting off this moment to promote further resource extraction, deregulation and deportations. What does a people-first response to this moment look like, and how can it cut through all the noise?

Hosted by Climate Action Network Canada and the UBC Centre for Climate Justice, this conversation features author and activist Naomi Klein, Co-Director of the Centre for Climate Justice, Syed Hussan, Executive Director of the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, and Lubicon Cree advocate Melina Laboucan-Massimo, founder and Executive Director of Sacred Earth.

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sO3KZl7M3Ik

Recap:  [from Centre for Climate Justice UBC]

The discussion framed today’s context as an era of corporate “prepping,” where elites hoard wealth and resources in anticipation of societal collapse, maintaining control through fear and division. Migrants and other marginalized groups were identified as scapegoats in a broader strategy to divert attention from deepening inequality and systemic exploitation. The conversation also spotlighted Indigenous-led renewable energy projects as powerful examples of climate resilience and sovereignty, while lamenting the chronic lack of support and funding for such grassroots initiatives. 

Panelists stressed the importance of moving beyond individual actions to collective organizing and coalition-building. They called for rejecting divisive nationalism in favor of international solidarity and collaboration across movements. Grassroots creativity and resilience were highlighted as essential to advancing actionable solutions already being implemented in communities. 

The event concluded with a call for bold action. Participants were encouraged to support campaigns like “Rights Not Cuts,” engage in coalitional efforts, and amplify stories of frontline climate leadership. By working together, it is possible to challenge systemic injustice and build a sustainable, equitable future.