Chris Russill

Chris Russill is an Associate Professor in the School of Journalism and Communication at Carleton University, Ottawa, serving as Academic Director of Re.Climate, a center for climate communication and public engagement. His research examines climate communication transformations in the digital information environment, focusing on disinformation, crisis management, and public engagement strategies.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Communication, Penn State University
• M.A., York University, Toronto
• B.A., York University, Toronto

Russill investigates how digital platforms reshape climate discourse, with particular attention to greenwashing mechanisms, carbon pricing communication, and media dynamics during climate emergencies. His work bridges environmental communication, media studies, and policy analysis, exemplified by projects like the true crime podcast Who Killed the Carbon Tax and co-edited volumes including Critical Approaches to Climate Change and Civic Action.

His 2021-2025 publications reveal consistent thematic focus on climate communication ethics, tipping points discourse, and industry greenwashing practices. Key contributions analyze Pathways Alliance's oil sands marketing, social media dynamics during extreme weather, and ethical frameworks for climate messaging across diverse media platforms.

Scientific Awards:

• No specific scientific awards listed in source material

Russill secures research funding from SSHRC, McConnell Foundation, Ivey Foundation, Donner Foundation, Jarislowsky Foundation, Trottier Family Foundation, Environmental Funders Canada, Clean Economy Fund, and MITACS. His collaborative projects involve interdisciplinary teams, evidenced by co-authored reports on wildfire misinformation (Flame Wars) and Competition Bureau submissions addressing deceptive environmental claims.

As Academic Director of Re.Climate, Russill leads climate communication initiatives while contributing to Carleton's Collaborative Specialization in Climate Change. He serves on editorial boards for Environmental Communication, Palgrave Studies in Media and Environmental Communication, and Communication Undisciplined, shaping scholarly discourse in the field.