Word Nerds

Let’s talk nerdy.

Fresh out of the dictionary with an eco edition, Word Nerds is one communication instructor and four students who tackle conversations on how our changing environment impacts our lexicon. In this series, Word Nerds explores the meaning, etymology, and impact of six “eco” words.

By Marlene Wurfel, Jack Gillard, Leanna Bressan, Kaylin Wilson & Priya Thapar

Ecocide & Ecogrief

A historical fire regime of total suppression is a challenging paradigm to shift, not only for wildfire management specialists but also for the public and affected industry stakeholders. Audio editing by Alfonso Acevedo and music by Mercy Joshua.

By Marlene Wurfel & Jack Gillard

Eco-anxiety & Eco-terrorism

Let’s examine the economic impacts of increasingly severe wildfire regimes. Audio editing by Alfonso Acevedo and music by Mercy Joshua.

By Leanna Bressan & Jack Gillard

Eco-sexuality & Eco-tourism

How can we consider the potential for incorporating Indigenous traditional knowledge into how we look at wildfire on our landscapes? Audio editing by Alfonso Acevedo and music by Mercy Joshua.

By Kaylin Wilson & Priya Thapar