Abstract
The chapter uses a theoretical and methodological framework that draws from hermeneutics, the concept of terministic screens, and narrative communication strategies to reinvision how communication about climate change can lead to climate action and can create dialogue and discussions that encourage us to participate as climate change agents in our communities. The authors emphasize the importance of interpretation and reinterpretation of our positionalities as human participants in the global climate crisis and show that discussions need to include individuals and groups regardless of race, gender, sexuality, culture, socio-economic background, nationality, or generational knowledge. The authors argue that we need to change how we participate in and consume social media and engage in constructive and intersectional conversations about climate change where we listen to one another and create opportunities for arriving at solutions that question and go beyond maintaining societal systems that benefit and privilege established heteronormative power structures.
TopFraming Climate Change Conversations: A Review Of Literature
The current anthropogenic climate crisis (human-caused crisis) has created much debate about how to address the imminent dangers of the environmental disasters that are broadcast on multiple media outlets, discussed by concerned individuals and groups, and addressed by governments, businesses, and non-profit organizations. News on extreme weather conditions, devastating fires, ocean acidification, and climate refugees have led to anxiety, fear, and inertia while climate activists are continuing their call for increased government action and faster corporate response to industry-caused disasters. However, many current narratives benefit from an autonomous approach to climate crisis discussions where individual expertise is praised, and where single stories and perspectives create a limiting understanding of how to solve a diverse global problem. The following literature review expands current perspectives and provides a framework for understanding how hermeneutics and discussions of social ideologies, paradigm shifts, and an analysis of social media use can shape future opportunities for successful climate action.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Dialogue: Communication between people who engage with each other to learn more about different points of view.
Asymmetrical Reciprocity: An acknowledgement that understanding an individuals’ experiences is based on careful and respectful listening.
Paradigm Shift: A change in thinking from an established view to a new perspective.
Hermeneutics: The theory and methodology of interpretation.
Intersectional Climate Action: An inclusive form of climate activism that takes into account the experiences and needs of diverse individuals and groups.
Climate Communication: Interactions that lead to education about the effects of climate change.
Climate Crisis: The threat of global warming to the planet.
Eco-Anxiety: Fear of environmental and ecological disaster.