CACOR Live | Dr Elizabeth Anderson | A Battle for Hearts and Minds: Cognitive Warfare and Democratic Defence from Europe to Canada | 28 Jan 2026 at 13:30 EST
Raymond Leury
You are invited to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Speaker: Elizabeth Anderson
Subject: Digital authoritarianism and the defence of democracy
Time: 28 January, 2026 13:30 Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85914201394?pwd=84JGK2dhBIepmixJIPBFJLBaxeKE0V.1
Meeting ID: 859 1420 1394
Passcode: 128955
Summary:
Our adversaries are targeting the cognitive domain: deliberately manipulating citizens' perception of reality to undermine democratic governance. The objective is not persuasion but paralysis—democracies that cannot think clearly cannot act collectively. Whether delivered through missiles on power grids or algorithmic manipulation, the target is always the same: the citizen's capacity to understand reality, trust institutions, and sustain political will.
Drawing on field research across 15 European countries, Elizabeth Anderson examines how frontline democracies have built practical defences against cognitive warfare. From Sweden's Psychological Defence Agency to Finland's world-leading societal resilience, from France's active defence model to Estonia's digital governance innovations, she identifies what works and what Canada can adapt.
At a moment of rupture in the international order—what Prime Minister Carney has called the end of a "pleasant fiction"—middle powers must build their strength at home and act together. The question is not whether we will face these challenges but instead, whether we will recognize these threats and act decisively to defend our democratic way of life.
Biography:
Elizabeth is a tenacious, intellectually curious, and passionate Canadian leader, dedicated to strengthening Canada’s role in the world through the renewal of its security architecture and the defence of democratic principles.
A former Fulbright Scholar, Elizabeth focuses on defending democracies in the digital age. Her work centres on cognitive and grey-zone warfare—particularly psychological and influence operations—and digital authoritarianism, ensuring that Canada, its Allies,
and partners are prepared for 21st-century threats across the cyber, space, and electromagnetic domains. She concentrates on three core themes: (1) cognitive and grey-zone warfare; (2) Ukraine’s defence against Russian aggression and transatlantic security;
and (3) Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy. Beyond these priorities, Elizabeth engages broadly with Canadian foreign and defence policy. She applies a whole-of-society approach—drawing on Finland’s comprehensive-security model—and advanced technologies,
including AI and quantum, to strengthen democratic resilience.
Elizabeth previously served as Director of Operations and Senior Advisor for International Security to Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, and brings more than seven years’ experience across multiple Government of Canada portfolios.
Her work is guided by an abiding commitment to ensuring that Canada meets the challenges of a more dangerous world while upholding human rights, the rule of law, and democracy on the world stage.
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
Administration:
– The CACOR Sponsor is Jean Dougherty
– Please invite friends and colleagues.
– One brief question at a time please. Others are waiting.
– DO NOT post these Zoom credentials on social media.
– Suggestions for future speakers are solicited. Wednesdays starting on 22 April 2026 are available.
Raymond Leury
You are invited to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Speaker: Patrick Chuang
Subject: What is and is not possible in a fossil-fuel free world?
Time: 04 Feb 2026 16:00 Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join CACOR Live Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87451458845?pwd=fWJvN6Qq2I1i5fJlbYHF65kbqb8s71.1
Meeting ID: 874 5145 8845
Passcode: 396556
Summary:
A world whose energy mix excludes fossil fuels is highly desirable as it can stabilize climate. Many carbon-free energy sources, such as solar and wind, have the advantage that the "fuel" is free, as it is present-day sunlight. However, capturing, transforming, transporting and storing this energy is not free, and requires society to invest materials and energy into maintaining this energy infrastructure of, e.g., solar panels, a power grid, and batteries, which can be viewed as an "overhead" on modern society. In this talk, I will explore the material and energy constraints of a fossil-fuel free world, focusing on what these constraints imply for a society that is built upon this foundation.
Biography:
Dr. Patrick Chuang is a professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of California Santa Cruz. He is an atmospheric scientist who primarily studies clouds, usually from research aircraft, and their impacts on climate, in addition to more recently doing research on the implications of a green energy transition. He has a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering Science from the California Institute of Technology.
Administration:
– The CACOR Sponsor is Claude Buettner
– Please invite friends and colleagues.
– One brief question at a time please. Others are waiting.
– DO NOT post these Zoom credentials on social media.
– Suggestions for future speakers are solicited. Wednesdays starting on 22 April 2026 are available.
All future CACOR Live speakers presently scheduled:
CACOR Live Schedule - Canadian Association for the Club of Rome
Raymond Leury
You are invited to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Speaker: Patrick Chuang
Subject: What is and is not possible in a fossil-fuel free world?
Time: 04 Feb 2026 16:00 Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join CACOR Live Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87451458845?pwd=fWJvN6Qq2I1i5fJlbYHF65kbqb8s71.1
Meeting ID: 874 5145 8845
Passcode: 396556
Summary:
A world whose energy mix excludes fossil fuels is highly desirable as it can stabilize climate. Many carbon-free energy sources, such as solar and wind, have the advantage that the "fuel" is free, as it is present-day sunlight. However, capturing, transforming, transporting and storing this energy is not free, and requires society to invest materials and energy into maintaining this energy infrastructure of, e.g., solar panels, a power grid, and batteries, which can be viewed as an "overhead" on modern society. In this talk, I will explore the material and energy constraints of a fossil-fuel free world, focusing on what these constraints imply for a society that is built upon this foundation.
Biography:
Dr. Patrick Chuang is a professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of California Santa Cruz. He is an atmospheric scientist who primarily studies clouds, usually from research aircraft, and their impacts on climate, in addition to more recently doing research on the implications of a green energy transition. He has a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering Science from the California Institute of Technology.
Administration:
– The CACOR Sponsor is Claude Buettner
– Please invite friends and colleagues.
– One brief question at a time please. Others are waiting.
– DO NOT post these Zoom credentials on social media.
– Suggestions for future speakers are solicited. Wednesdays starting on 22 April 2026 are available.
All future CACOR Live speakers presently scheduled:
Raymond Leury
You are invited to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Speaker: Patrick Chuang
Subject: What is and is not possible in a fossil-fuel free world?
Time: 04 Feb 2026 16:00 Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join CACOR Live Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87451458845?pwd=fWJvN6Qq2I1i5fJlbYHF65kbqb8s71.1
Meeting ID: 874 5145 8845
Passcode: 396556
Summary:
A world whose energy mix excludes fossil fuels is highly desirable as it can stabilize climate. Many carbon-free energy sources, such as solar and wind, have the advantage that the "fuel" is free, as it is present-day sunlight. However, capturing, transforming, transporting and storing this energy is not free, and requires society to invest materials and energy into maintaining this energy infrastructure of, e.g., solar panels, a power grid, and batteries, which can be viewed as an "overhead" on modern society. In this talk, I will explore the material and energy constraints of a fossil-fuel free world, focusing on what these constraints imply for a society that is built upon this foundation.
Biography:
Dr. Patrick Chuang is a professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of California Santa Cruz. He is an atmospheric scientist who primarily studies clouds, usually from research aircraft, and their impacts on climate, in addition to more recently doing research on the implications of a green energy transition. He has a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering Science from the California Institute of Technology.
Administration:
– The CACOR Sponsor is Claude Buettner
– Please invite friends and colleagues.
– One brief question at a time please. Others are waiting.
– DO NOT post these Zoom credentials on social media.
– Suggestions for future speakers are solicited. Wednesdays starting on 22 April 2026 are available.
All future CACOR Live speakers presently scheduled:
Raymond Leury
You are invited to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Speaker: Lauren Latour
Subject: We need each other: On the importance of working in solidarity and coalition
Time: 11 February, 2026 13:30 Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join CACOR Live Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85792764597?pwd=A4994OZfjkWiQlVl4RRqqXepiLX7gG.1
Meeting ID: 857 9276 4597
Passcode: 603965
Summary:
The climate movement cannot win in solitude. In 2026 with the rise of fascism knocking on our door, the cost of living making it harder for ourselves, our friends, and neighbours to make ends meet, and the digital media landscape perpetuating antisocial tendencies, it is more difficult than ever before to organize around an issue as existential and nebulous as climate. Not only is working in concert with, and in support of other progressive communities the ethical and moral imperative, it is the only way to harness the power of the people in order to achieve the outcomes we so desperately need.
Biography:
Lauren’s been with Climate Action Network Canada since 2019, first as Climate Ambition Coordinator and now as Member Services & Movement Building Manager, after having spent several years in grassroots climate justice organizing circles in communities across Canada.
Lauren was born and raised on the land of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Attawandaron, and Wendat peoples, in what is commonly known as London, Ontario. A graduate of Environmental Studies and Political Science at Mount Allison University in Mi’kma’ki (New Brunswick) Lauren first became involved in climate justice organizing through campus fossil fuel divestment campaigning, organizing Powershift youth convergences, and as delegate to COP 21 and 22 with the Canadian Youth Delegation. Passionate about ensuring we transition to a carbon neutral future in a way that works for all, Lauren takes great pride in working in service of CAN-Rac’s members, and the climate movement.
Administration:
– The CACOR Sponsor is Richard van der Jagt
Raymond Leury
You are invited to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Speaker: Lauren Latour
Subject: We need each other: On the importance of working in solidarity and coalition
Time: 11 February, 2026 13:30 Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join CACOR Live Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85792764597?pwd=A4994OZfjkWiQlVl4RRqqXepiLX7gG.1
Meeting ID: 857 9276 4597
Passcode: 603965
Summary:
The climate movement cannot win in solitude. In 2026 with the rise of fascism knocking on our door, the cost of living making it harder for ourselves, our friends, and neighbours to make ends meet, and the digital media landscape perpetuating antisocial tendencies, it is more difficult than ever before to organize around an issue as existential and nebulous as climate. Not only is working in concert with, and in support of other progressive communities the ethical and moral imperative, it is the only way to harness the power of the people in order to achieve the outcomes we so desperately need.
Biography:
Lauren’s been with Climate Action Network Canada since 2019, first as Climate Ambition Coordinator and now as Member Services & Movement Building Manager, after having spent several years in grassroots climate justice organizing circles in communities across Canada.
Lauren was born and raised on the land of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Attawandaron, and Wendat peoples, in what is commonly known as London, Ontario. A graduate of Environmental Studies and Political Science at Mount Allison University in Mi’kma’ki (New Brunswick) Lauren first became involved in climate justice organizing through campus fossil fuel divestment campaigning, organizing Powershift youth convergences, and as delegate to COP 21 and 22 with the Canadian Youth Delegation. Passionate about ensuring we transition to a carbon neutral future in a way that works for all, Lauren takes great pride in working in service of CAN-Rac’s members, and the climate movement.
Administration:
– The CACOR Sponsor is Richard van der Jagt
Raymond Leury
Hi all,
Lauren Latour is unfortunately unable to present today due to illness.
In her place, Réal Lavergne has kindly accepted to do his talk on Proportional Representation (originally scheduled for March 11th). Here are the details:
You are invited to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Speaker: Réal Lavergne
Subject: Proportional Representation you Say? How would that work?
Time: 11 February, 2026 13:30 Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join CACOR Live Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85792764597?pwd=A4994OZfjkWiQlVl4RRqqXepiLX7gG.1
Meeting ID: 857 9276 4597
Passcode: 603965
Summary:
While the appeal of proportional representation (PR) is immediately apparent to most, people also want to know how that would work. This presentation begins by situating Canada compared to other democratic countries and flags the way we elect our representatives as the weak link of our democracy.
To fully understand how PR works one must first understand the foundational problem of our first-past-the-post system: electing our representatives in single-member-districts. To understand PR in comparison, imagine how things might work if a number of single-member districts were simply merged into one to create a multi-member district.
That gives us the key feature of any PR model: multi-member districts. Variables that could be tweaked to further enhance the model include better ballots, bigger districts, and/or the addition of top-up seats. Mixing and matching these different variables gives you a number of possible combinations.
The challenge is to come to a consensus view of what is needed. The presentation identifies four strategic requirements for achieving this:
- A rigorous, principles-based approach
- No referendum
- A Multi-party agreement
- A citizens’ assembly.
Biography:
Réal Lavergne has been engaged in the movement for election reform with Fair Vote Canada since his retirement as a civil servant in 2013 and was President of the organization from 2016 to 2021. He is now President of Fair Vote Canada’s chapter in the National Capital Region. He has been involved in every FVC campaign for electoral reform from 2014 onwards. A former academic and civil servant, Réal Lavergne spent most of his career working in the area of international development as a researcher, academic and senior policy analyst. He holds a Ph.D. in political economy from the University of Toronto.
Fair Vote Canada - Proportional Representation
Administration:
– The CACOR Sponsor is Raymond Leury
Raymond Leury
Hi all,
Lauren Latour is unfortunately unable to present today due to illness.
In her place, Réal Lavergne has kindly accepted to do his talk on Proportional Representation (originally scheduled for March 11th). Here are the details:
You are invited to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Speaker: Réal Lavergne
Subject: Proportional Representation you Say? How would that work?
Time: 11 February, 2026 13:30 Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join CACOR Live Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85792764597?pwd=A4994OZfjkWiQlVl4RRqqXepiLX7gG.1
Meeting ID: 857 9276 4597
Passcode: 603965
Summary:
While the appeal of proportional representation (PR) is immediately apparent to most, people also want to know how that would work. This presentation begins by situating Canada compared to other democratic countries and flags the way we elect our representatives as the weak link of our democracy.
To fully understand how PR works one must first understand the foundational problem of our first-past-the-post system: electing our representatives in single-member-districts. To understand PR in comparison, imagine how things might work if a number of single-member districts were simply merged into one to create a multi-member district.
That gives us the key feature of any PR model: multi-member districts. Variables that could be tweaked to further enhance the model include better ballots, bigger districts, and/or the addition of top-up seats. Mixing and matching these different variables gives you a number of possible combinations.
The challenge is to come to a consensus view of what is needed. The presentation identifies four strategic requirements for achieving this:
- A rigorous, principles-based approach
- No referendum
- A Multi-party agreement
- A citizens’ assembly.
Biography:
Réal Lavergne has been engaged in the movement for election reform with Fair Vote Canada since his retirement as a civil servant in 2013 and was President of the organization from 2016 to 2021. He is now President of Fair Vote Canada’s chapter in the National Capital Region. He has been involved in every FVC campaign for electoral reform from 2014 onwards. A former academic and civil servant, Réal Lavergne spent most of his career working in the area of international development as a researcher, academic and senior policy analyst. He holds a Ph.D. in political economy from the University of Toronto.
Fair Vote Canada - Proportional Representation
Administration:
– The CACOR Sponsor is Raymond Leury
Raymond Leury
You are invited to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Speaker: Dr Mike Brklacich
Subject: Climate Change: Searching for a Pathway to Hope
Time: 18 February, 2026 13:30 Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81336713700?pwd=jrRFijU1RhTPiFe0ubFAMJdoi4aG5a.1
Meeting ID: 813 3671 3700
Passcode: 678655
Summary:
Climate crises have captured much of our attention over the past 18 months. More frequent and intense extreme events such as droughts and wildfires, the breaching of the 1.5°C warming threshold and climate action setbacks all engender despair. But there are glimmers of hope that collectively suggest we may be able to reduce human impacts on climate and enhance our capacity to live with change. Key environmental and human factors contributing to emerging climate crises set the foundation for this seminar. We then review recent events that offer hope, ranging from international activities (e.g. emergence of loss and damage initiatives) through to efforts that touch our daily lives (e.g. municipal engagement in climate action plans). Overall, preventing dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system (i.e. a goal from the 1997 Kyoto Protocol) and learning to live with climatic change (hopefully) continue to be within our reach.
Biography:
During his 28-year career at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, Mike Brklacich was Chair of the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies (2006-12), Associate Dean (Graduate Programs, Research and International) in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (2015-21) and a Chancellor’s Professor (2014-19). He formally retired from Carleton in January 2022 and is currently a Professor Emeritus. His +40-year interdisciplinary research program spanned food security and food systems, rural livelihoods, human dimensions of global environmental change and environmental policy and was supported by multiple Canadian and international funding agencies. He played leading roles in the development of international research programs on Human Security and on Food Systems, as well as assisting with the development and advancement of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change. He contributed to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for more than 15 years and was part of the international team that was co-awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007.
More information about Mike is available at: https://carleton.ca/geography/people/brklacichmike/
Administration:
– The CACOR Sponsor is Bob Jones
Raymond Leury
You are invited to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Speaker: Dr Mike Brklacich
Subject: Climate Change: Searching for a Pathway to Hope
Time: 18 February, 2026 13:30 Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81336713700?pwd=jrRFijU1RhTPiFe0ubFAMJdoi4aG5a.1
Meeting ID: 813 3671 3700
Passcode: 678655
Summary:
Climate crises have captured much of our attention over the past 18 months. More frequent and intense extreme events such as droughts and wildfires, the breaching of the 1.5°C warming threshold and climate action setbacks all engender despair. But there are glimmers of hope that collectively suggest we may be able to reduce human impacts on climate and enhance our capacity to live with change. Key environmental and human factors contributing to emerging climate crises set the foundation for this seminar. We then review recent events that offer hope, ranging from international activities (e.g. emergence of loss and damage initiatives) through to efforts that touch our daily lives (e.g. municipal engagement in climate action plans). Overall, preventing dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system (i.e. a goal from the 1997 Kyoto Protocol) and learning to live with climatic change (hopefully) continue to be within our reach.
Biography:
During his 28-year career at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, Mike Brklacich was Chair of the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies (2006-12), Associate Dean (Graduate Programs, Research and International) in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (2015-21) and a Chancellor’s Professor (2014-19). He formally retired from Carleton in January 2022 and is currently a Professor Emeritus. His +40-year interdisciplinary research program spanned food security and food systems, rural livelihoods, human dimensions of global environmental change and environmental policy and was supported by multiple Canadian and international funding agencies. He played leading roles in the development of international research programs on Human Security and on Food Systems, as well as assisting with the development and advancement of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change. He contributed to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for more than 15 years and was part of the international team that was co-awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007.
More information about Mike is available at: https://carleton.ca/geography/people/brklacichmike/
Administration:
– The CACOR Sponsor is Bob Jones
Raymond Leury
You are invited to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Speaker: Dr Mike Brklacich
Subject: Climate Change: Searching for a Pathway to Hope
Time: 18 February, 2026 13:30 Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81336713700?pwd=jrRFijU1RhTPiFe0ubFAMJdoi4aG5a.1
Meeting ID: 813 3671 3700
Passcode: 678655
Summary:
Climate crises have captured much of our attention over the past 18 months. More frequent and intense extreme events such as droughts and wildfires, the breaching of the 1.5°C warming threshold and climate action setbacks all engender despair. But there are glimmers of hope that collectively suggest we may be able to reduce human impacts on climate and enhance our capacity to live with change. Key environmental and human factors contributing to emerging climate crises set the foundation for this seminar. We then review recent events that offer hope, ranging from international activities (e.g. emergence of loss and damage initiatives) through to efforts that touch our daily lives (e.g. municipal engagement in climate action plans). Overall, preventing dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system (i.e. a goal from the 1997 Kyoto Protocol) and learning to live with climatic change (hopefully) continue to be within our reach.
Biography:
During his 28-year career at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, Mike Brklacich was Chair of the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies (2006-12), Associate Dean (Graduate Programs, Research and International) in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (2015-21) and a Chancellor’s Professor (2014-19). He formally retired from Carleton in January 2022 and is currently a Professor Emeritus. His +40-year interdisciplinary research program spanned food security and food systems, rural livelihoods, human dimensions of global environmental change and environmental policy and was supported by multiple Canadian and international funding agencies. He played leading roles in the development of international research programs on Human Security and on Food Systems, as well as assisting with the development and advancement of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change. He contributed to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for more than 15 years and was part of the international team that was co-awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007.
More information about Mike is available at: https://carleton.ca/geography/people/brklacichmike/
Administration:
– The CACOR Sponsor is Bob Jones
Raymond Leury
You are invited to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Speaker: Neil Jones
Subject: A case study of the massive Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) in South Australia: a citizen science and wide boundary perspective
Time: 25 February, 2026 17:00 Eastern Time (US and Canada)
8:30 (26 Feb 2026) ACDT (Adelaide)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82872153723?pwd=2ipbpgflHCLGGJ814cRCxeAOvRWhQe.1
Meeting ID: 828 7215 3723
Passcode: 166610
Summary:
Plankton (the “wanderers”) are a “canary in the coalmine”, a “sentinel” part of the web of life that demands our immediate attention. In March 2025, the South Australian public became aware of a harmful algal bloom caused by the phytoplankton
species, Karenia, which would rapidly evolve to create an unprecedented and ongoing massive ecological disaster. In this talk, from a citizen science and wide boundary perspective, Neil unpacks a plausible, dot-connecting scenario drawing on indigenous, scientific
and spiritual worldviews. The conclusion is that there is simply no time
left – this must be our last warning and we must transform. Gaia has been very generous and forgiving, but patience has practically run out and Gaia has other options, not necessarily involving humans.
Biography:
Since his retirement in 2015, from a paid-working life as a radiologist, Neil has worked on developing a wide boundary perspective, recognizing that this perspective is often ignored or thwarted by existence in modern techno-industrial society. Neil sees this as just one component of the “Evolutionary Trap” we have set ourselves through the access to unprecedented energy flux and underpinned by the Maximum Power Principle. Participation in the local Catholic Parish Ecology Group, Community Garden, ecosystem restoration and the growing of a Food Forest have promoted a “Big Picture” of where we have come from and what is needed as we rapidly and necessarily transition to a simpler bioregional reality.
Administration:
– The CACOR Sponsor is Richard van der Jagt
– Please invite friends and colleagues.
– One brief question at a time please. Others are waiting.
– DO NOT post these Zoom credentials on social media.
– Suggestions for future speakers are solicited. Wednesdays starting on 6 May 2026 are available.