communication
Credit: Alliance for Excellent Education/Flickr/Photo by Allison Shelley for EDUimages
A new book argues the right way to discuss climate change
A new book by Genevieve Guenther asserts that using fossil fuel industry language undermines climate action.
In short:
- Genevieve Guenther's book, The Language of Climate Politics, claims fossil fuel talking points have permeated climate discussions, skewing public perception and action.
- Guenther identifies six problematic terms: alarmist, costs, growth, "India and China," innovation, and resilience, suggesting alternatives to better frame climate discourse.
- Despite potential backlash, Guenther emphasizes the need for precise language to effectively advocate for emission reductions and broader climate action.
Key quote:
"To secure a livable future, one thing we will need to do is dismantle and reframe the terms dominating the language of climate politics."
— Genevieve Guenther, Author
Why this matters:
Accurate climate communication can help mobilize public support and drive policy change, ensuring that discussions highlight the urgency around reducing fossil fuel emissions and mitigating climate impacts. Read more: Greenwashing’s medieval age.
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Credit: Galen Crout/Unsplash
A climate-themed version of Catan sparks new conversations
A new version of the popular board game Catan, called New Energies, aims to make discussing climate change more engaging by incorporating elements of renewable energy and fossil fuels.
In short:
- New Energies, released in June, is the latest addition to the Catan series, focusing on balancing renewable energy and fossil fuels.
- Players can win by collecting 10 points through fossil fuels or green energy, or by having the lowest carbon footprint if pollution maxes out.
- The game seeks to normalize renewable technologies and remove controversy around climate change discussions.
Key quote:
“It’s experimenting with them in a safe environment, and having this sort of social contract with other people to discuss and reflect together.”
— Daniel Fernández Galeote, gamification researcher and playbook contributor
Why this matters:
Engaging people in conversations about climate change through fun and interactive mediums like board games can bridge the gap between awareness and action, encouraging more sustainable behaviors.
Related EHN coverage:
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Photo by Brandi Alexandra on Unsplash
5 key climate change phrases, defined
Often, the highest-stake decisions impacting the planet come down to the simplest phrases.
Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel on Unsplash
Workers needed to fulfill America’s infrastructure goals
Construction scenes in northern Michigan are being repeated across the Great Lakes region and throughout the country as public works begin to reap the benefits of a federal spending splurge to enhance the nation’s water, energy, communications, and transportation systems.
Photo by Daniel Norris on Unsplash
What good is a web post in a power outage? Vermont asks utilities to improve communication
As climate change brings more wet and heavy snow storms to the region, state regulators are asking Vermont’s electric utilities to do a better job communicating with customers who are experiencing power outages.
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
Climate Cafe creates space for climate change conversations
Hosted at a Lethbridge brewery, Climate Cafe wants to get people talking about climate change solutions on a personal and practical level. The organizers, Environment Lethbridge, say conversations like this are an important step toward community action.
How to talk about climate action
When it comes to engaging others in climate action, avoid the traps of fatalism and fragmentation – and look for what we have in common.
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