On a blistering cold December afternoon Claudia visits her sister Terry at her home about 30 km south of Edmonton. Stephanie, Terry’s daughter, who has long had a special relationship with Claudia, is scheduled to arrive shortly, after a much-delayed train trip.
The brutal weather concerns Terry. She attributes it to the polar vortex she’s heard so much about. Claudia scoffs at the notion, saying it’s the climate “warmists” using it as another example of global warming, which she adamantly rejects. As the communications person for a climate change society, Claudia feels she’s an authority on the subject.
While Terry steps away, Claudia gets a notification from someone she says has been harassing her on social media. Claudia’s obviously at her limit because she calls the office demanding they take action.
When Stephanie arrives it becomes clear that things have changed between her and her aunt. Stephanie, now a post-grad in science, challenges
Claudia on many common climate contrarian claims, while at the same time trying to cook supper for the three of them. The discussion gets heated especially when it’s revealed that Stephanie is the person that’s been challenging Claudia on social media. Stephanie holds the upper hand, but Claudia refuses to budge. In the end, she takes a very Canadian walk in the snow.
Keywords: Climate change, global warming, climate science, climate denial, Alberta
Genre: Drama
Acts: 1
Run time: 70 minutes
Suitable for students 14+
Content note: Contains mild swearing
Cast size: 3 actors
Female roles: 3
Casting note: Two of the female characters are in their fifties. The other is in her twenties.