Dramatic climate language does little to increase public concern

New research shows that using terms like "climate emergency" or "global boiling" doesn't significantly raise public concern compared to traditional phrases like "climate change."

Kate Yoder reports for Grist.

In short:

• The study found that dramatic phrases like "climate crisis" generated less concern than expected.
• Only 33% of respondents had heard of "climate justice," with a large partisan divide in concern levels.
• Researchers suggest that concrete actions and relatable role models might be more effective than new terminology.

Key quote:

“You can’t be concerned about something that you’re not familiar with.”

— Wändi Bruine de Bruin, professor of public policy at USC

Why this matters:

Public awareness of climate change is high, but the push for more evocative language may not be the best strategy to inspire action. Focusing on clear, actionable steps could better motivate individuals to make impactful changes.

Related EHN coverage:

• Using comedy to combat climate change
• Op-Ed: Building a culture of health in the era of climate change
• Communicating climate, a guided tour