Speaking Engagements
Testimonials
Tarika is a talented, insightful, and humorous speaker. She has an uncommon ability to translate the wonk of scientific and policy research to any audience: from the halls of government to the streets of low-income communities directly affected by fracked gas. She has a truly unique speaking style that provides audiences with profound "aha" moments while making them laugh at just the right moment.
- B. T., Communications Strategist
Green Energy Institute
I’ve participated on two panels hosted by Lewis and Clark Law School’s Green Energy Institute, with the most recent event in 2021. At the first event, I spoke about decarbonization on a panel featuring Senator Jeff Merkley. The second event was entitled “Clean Energy Transition: Quitting Fossil Gas,” and focused on the greenwashing of fracked gas. Watch event
Union of Concerned Scientists
I was a panelist at the 2020 annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. My panel, organized by Stockholm Environment Institute and the Union of Concerned Scientists, argued that to successfully transition away from fossil fuels, policy-makers at every level need to consider equity. Read about this event.
Resist. Reframe. Reclaim. Summit
In 2019, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians hosted the first Resist. Reframe. Reclaim. Summit in partnership with the Puyallup Tribe. The Summit provided an opportunity for Tribal leaders and environmental justice allies to examine the impact and implications of Tacoma LNG. I presented on the technical aspects and pollution impacts of the plant, as one of its first and most vocal environmental opponents.
We Are Water
This event was a collaboration between the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, BC, and Disjecta Gallery in Portland. Other guests included indigenous artists Marianne Nichols and Sara Siestreem. We discussed issues threatening water resources in the region, and highlighted the work being done to protect water resources. In addition to the Portland event, I spoke at the BC gallery the following year. Watch event
Columbia Riverkeeper
At this event, I spoke in opposition to two planned methanol refineries on the Columbia River, providing public education on the environmental impacts of the facilities. Thanks to community education and opposition, these projects were both withdrawn by the developer.
Clean and Affordable Energy Conference
I was a panelist at the Northwest Energy Coalition’s (NWEC) annual conference and spoke about the role of natural gas in a clean energy future. The fundamental question addressed by the panel was whether natural gas is a “bridge fuel” in the transition to a clean energy future. Read about this event.
Lummi Totem Pole Journey
I was a featured speaker at the Lummi Nation's Totem Pole Journey celebration in 2016. The tribe's annual totem pole journey raises awareness of the fossil fuel industry’s negative environmental effects. Learn more about this event, or read the full text of my speech.