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Why is it important?
Within 2 years, the world must start to sharply reduce climate emissions if a safe climate is to be attainable. There is very little time. the key block at the moment relates to 'will' - political will and will of the broader global citizenry to pressure change. This large-scale response will not occur if the majority of people cannot understand or perceive the problem properly - the very best communicators are needed enmasse to convey the situation in an understandable and compelling way. Thus this (effective storytelling/framing) needs to be of far higher priority at this critical juncture in history.
Perspectives
Although I care deeply about climate change, I like many others struggle to read the relentless harsh stories about the decline of the natural environment. When I first read timothy Morton's 'Hyperobject' narrative I found it both infuriating but also impossible to put down. It discusses climate in a way that allows a philosophical shift to occur, while also facilitating and supporting the complex emotional reactions that accompany such news. It alleviated the 'climate fatigue'. Having a literature background, I have also been long puzzled as to why climate science was communicated by those without expertise in language and meaning-making. My view is that we need the best scientists doing the science and the very best communicators supporting the communication of the news. Our best film-makers; writers; multi-media wizards etc. Steven Spielberg are you busy right now?
Ms Elizabeth G Boulton
Australian National University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Climate change as a ‘hyperobject’: a critical review of Timothy Morton's reframing narrative, Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews Climate Change, June 2016, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1002/wcc.410.
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