Climate crisis

Climate Crisis: A Term That Stirs Emotions and Urgency

Is ‘climate crisis’ just a buzzword or does it carry real weight in our fight against global warming? This term, which has gained significant traction over the past decade, is more than just a catchy phrase—it’s a call to action. But why did this term gain such prominence? And what impact does it have on how we perceive and address climate change?

The Evolution of Language in Climate Change

Back in 1989, the ‘Cairo Compact: Toward a Concerted World-Wide Response to the Climate Crisis’ highlighted the need for unprecedented cooperation. Yet, it took until the late 2010s for ‘climate crisis’ to become a mainstream term. In 2018, less than 10% of articles in top-50 US newspapers used terms like ‘crisis’ or ’emergency.’ By 2019, this number had tripled, with over 150 uses in US media alone.

Why the Shift?

The shift towards using more urgent language wasn’t just a whim. It was driven by organizations like Al Gore’s campaign, Greenpeace, and the Sunrise Movement, who petitioned news outlets to adopt this terminology. The UN Secretary General’s address at the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit also played a significant role in elevating the urgency of the issue.

The Guardian and Beyond

In May 2019, The Guardian made headlines by changing its style guide to favor terms like ‘climate emergency,’ ‘crisis,’ or ‘breakdown.’ This change was quickly adopted by other publications such as EFE, Hindustan Times, and Gazeta Wyborcza. Even the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation noted that while these terms could be used interchangeably with ‘climate change,’ they weren’t always the best choice.

Activism and Media

Climate activists didn’t just sit back and wait for media to catch up. They demonstrated outside The New York Times’ offices, urging them to adopt crisis terminology. This activism paid off as Oxford Dictionaries named ‘climate crisis’ its word of the year in 2019.

The Impact on Public Perception

According to a Bloomberg journalist, Emma Vickers, using crisis terminology may be showing results. A poll found that 38% of US adults now term climate change as ‘a crisis.’ However, this shift doesn’t necessarily mean immediate action. In 2021, a Finnish newspaper even created a font called Climate Crisis to update scientific warnings with these terms.

Concerns and Criticisms

While the term ‘climate crisis’ may stir emotions, it also raises concerns. Some worry that it might prioritize climate change over other issues or de-emphasize dissent within the movement. There’s a risk of causing skepticism if meaningful policies aren’t enacted. Crisis fatigue can set in if there are no tangible results.

Research and Effectiveness

Researchers suggest that fear-based appeals don’t create sustained engagement and can be maladaptive. Climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe noted that crisis framing is only effective for those already concerned about climate change but complacent regarding solutions. In Germany, journalists reported that the word ‘crisis’ might be misunderstood to imply a temporary state before normalcy.

Alternatives and Nuances

A 2023 survey found no evidence that crisis or emergency terms elicit more perceived urgency than climate change or global warming. Climate crisis was found to encourage a sense of urgency, but not a strong enough response to cause cognitive dissonance that would lead people to generate counterarguments.

Conclusion

The term ‘climate crisis’ is a powerful tool in our arsenal against global warming, but it’s not the only one. It stirs emotions and urges action, yet it also comes with its own set of challenges. As we continue to navigate this complex issue, let us use language that resonates with everyone while ensuring that our actions match our words.