Wen Stephenson

Contributing Writer

Wen Stephenson has been a frequent contributor to The Nation since 2013. A veteran journalist, essayist, and activist, he is the author of What We're Fighting for Now Is Each Other (2015), about the pivotal early years of the climate justice movement. More of his writing can be found at wenstephenson.com.

Candidate for Governor of Massachusetts

Bob Massie Is Putting Climate and Democracy at the Center of the Massachusetts Governor’s Race Bob Massie Is Putting Climate and Democracy at the Center of the Massachusetts Governor’s Race

If this racial-justice and climate activist wins the nomination, he’ll be on the ballot along with Senator Elizabeth Warren.

Jun 1, 2017 / Wen Stephenson

Shell No Protest

Climate Disobedience in the Time of Trump Climate Disobedience in the Time of Trump

Ken Ward and Emily Johnston are willing to spend decades in prison for shutting down tar-sands oil pipelines. They want you to understand why.

Feb 13, 2017 / Wen Stephenson

Rex Tillerson in Washington

Normalizing Denial: Trump, Tillerson, and Climate Reality Normalizing Denial: Trump, Tillerson, and Climate Reality

A political culture that can accommodate Exxon’s climate denial is a political culture ripe for Trump.

Dec 14, 2016 / Editorial / Wen Stephenson

Other Universities Are Divesting From Fossil Fuels—but Harvard Is Doubling Down on Them

Other Universities Are Divesting From Fossil Fuels—but Harvard Is Doubling Down on Them Other Universities Are Divesting From Fossil Fuels—but Harvard Is Doubling Down on Them

It’s time for Harvard to kick the carbon lobby out of the Kennedy School. But don’t hold your breath.

May 4, 2016 / StudentNation / Wen Stephenson

What Will It Take To Force a Real Conversation About Climate Change?

What Will It Take To Force a Real Conversation About Climate Change? What Will It Take To Force a Real Conversation About Climate Change?

Naomi Klein, Avi Lewis, and Wen Stephenson discuss the truly transformative change that our climate crisis requires.

Oct 26, 2015 / Wen Stephenson, Naomi Klein, and Avi Lewis

Dispatches From the Front Lines of the Climate Justice Movement

Dispatches From the Front Lines of the Climate Justice Movement Dispatches From the Front Lines of the Climate Justice Movement

The new American radicals know that it’s time to fight like there’s nothing left to lose but our humanity.

Oct 8, 2015 / Feature / Wen Stephenson

Pope Francis confronts the environmental crisis.

How Pope Francis Came to Embrace Not Just Climate Justice but Liberation Theology How Pope Francis Came to Embrace Not Just Climate Justice but Liberation Theology

And how that poses a radical challenge to both climate deniers and mainstream liberals.

Sep 9, 2015 / Feature / Wen Stephenson

Is the Carbon-Divestment Movement Reaching a Tipping Point?

Is the Carbon-Divestment Movement Reaching a Tipping Point? Is the Carbon-Divestment Movement Reaching a Tipping Point?

Interviews with Harvard professors Naomi Oreskes and James Anderson about universities’ moral imperative to join the fight against fossil fuel.

Apr 22, 2015 / Wen Stephenson

The Gospel According to Wendell Berry

The Gospel According to Wendell Berry The Gospel According to Wendell Berry

To destroy a forest is an act of greater seriousness than we have yet grasped. But to destroy the earth itself is to destroy the possibility of recovery.

Mar 23, 2015 / Encounter / Wendell Berry and Wen Stephenson

I’m Banned From Harvard. Here’s Why I’m Going Back.

I’m Banned From Harvard. Here’s Why I’m Going Back. I’m Banned From Harvard. Here’s Why I’m Going Back.

For protesting Harvard’s refusal to divest from fossil fuels, campus police have told me I will be arrested if I return to the university—which is exactly what I plan t...

Oct 24, 2014 / Blog / Wen Stephenson

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