Torpoint hairdresser turns conspiracy theory sleuth and makes film

A mobile hairdresser from Torpoint is investigating climate change conspiracy theories in a new film set to tour the county. Jaz Njie said that she knows "plenty of people who believe all sorts of conspiracy theories".

The tech-savvy Gen Z-er has set out to discover why people believe that climate change is a hoax in the face of increasingly devastating climate-related disasters. In #ClimateScam?, Jez swaps her scissors for a microphone.

The documentary, produced by award-winning charity Cornwall Climate Care, sees her in conversation with climate scientists, climate sceptics and climate activists, getting to know the real people behind the often angry headlines.

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Jaz said: “A lot of people my age get most of their information from TikTok and Youtube, and I know plenty of people who believe all sorts of conspiracy theories. Being involved in this film has really opened my eyes to why misinformation is such a problem – and it’s been scary to understand what a big impact it can really have.”

Producer Claire Wallerstein said: “Hairdressers have a knack for chatting to everyone from all walks of life – and Jaz has used this skill brilliantly in her conversations with people on all sides of what has become such a polarising subject.”

Jaz added: “Lots of people have lost trust in politicians to tell the truth or act in our best interests, so you can kind of understand why people feel attracted to conspiracy theories about all sorts of things. But what really hit home with me was meeting the scientists and seeing how frustrated they are at the lack of action on climate change – because they are the ones researching what is really going on.”

With the COP29 international climate talks only a few weeks away, the world seems no closer to agreeing on meaningful action to tackle the climate crisis, while greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise. Meanwhile, rampant climate misinformation and conspiracy theories are sowing confusion and leaving people uncertain what to believe or who to trust.

Climate change is the most studied phenomenon in all of science and over 99 per cent of studies agree that it is predominantly being caused by humans burning fossil fuels. However, a recent study found that one-third of young people in the UK now believe the threat of climate change has been over-exaggerated.

#ClimateScam? screening dates

November 18 - Premiere at Cornwall Film Festival at the Poly, Falmouth

November 21 - Plymouth Arts Cinema

November 28 - Savoy Cinema, Penzance

December 5 - Plaza Cinema, Truro