communication
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.
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
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:
Keep reading...Show less
5 key climate change phrases, defined
Often, the highest-stake decisions impacting the planet come down to the simplest phrases.
Want to work on climate change? Here's what to study in college
With the effects of climate change becoming more evident, many young folks are looking to build careers around finding solutions to the problem. After all, young people are likely to bear the brunt of climate change’s most severe impacts.
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.
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.
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.
ORIGINAL REPORTING
MOST POPULAR
CLIMATE
