Protests against Woodside chief executive Meg O’Neill have escalated into personal attacks, with protesters yelling the names of her children and Woodside chairman Richard Goyder at a recent annual general meeting. WA Premier Roger Cook condemned these actions, prompting the teens to threaten a defamation suit. Author Tim Winton, in his new novel, “Juice,” aims to bring attention to climate breakdown by naming perpetrators in a fictional world. He believes that remembering the names of those responsible is vital to addressing the urgency of the climate crisis, even if it may make some uncomfortable.
Winton and his publisher decided to include the real names of prominent figures in the novel, despite some trepidation. He believes that power comes from naming and acknowledging the victims of climate breakdown and holding the perpetrators accountable. The lack of acknowledgment of his book in his home state of Western Australia has not deterred Winton, as he sees the coverage in national and international media as crucial to spreading the message about climate change. The role of media, particularly in regions with strong ties to industries like oil and gas, in covering important issues is also highlighted.
Seven West Media, owned by billionaire Kerry Stokes, has denied any influence on the editorial independence of its publications, including The West Australian. The cut of the main paper’s books section and the departure of its books section writer raise questions about the coverage of important issues like climate change. Winton notes that despite his established publishing history, his latest novel is still under submission for US publication, indicating potential reluctance to address challenging topics like climate breakdown.
“Juice” depicts a world devastated by climate breakdown, with only specific regions remaining habitable due to extreme warming. Winton’s research into the potential consequences of a 3-degree warming scenario informed his fictional setting. The novel explores themes of violence and revenge in a world where victims of climate devastation seek retribution. Winton underscores that depicting violence in his work is not an endorsement but a cautionary tale about the consequences of a disfigured humanity as a result of environmental degradation.
In response to the escalating protests and personal attacks against Woodside executives, the company declined to comment on the situation. Winton believes that holding individuals and corporations accountable for their role in climate breakdown is essential to address the urgent crisis. Despite the lack of attention to his latest work in Western Australia, Winton remains committed to raising awareness about climate change and the moral imperative of confronting those responsible. The media’s role in covering challenging issues like climate breakdown and holding powerful interests accountable is crucial in driving necessary change.
