Recently some climate communication experts have been freaking out about freaking out. In reaction to a New York Magazine article, The Uninhabitable World, by David Wallace-Wells, a big debate is raging about fear tactics when talking about climate change. We look at the different sides and some of the social science around fear and rhetoric. Joining host, Peterson Toscano, is Halldor Björnsson, the Head of the Atmospheric Research Group at Veðurstofa Iceland also known as the Icelandic Met Office. Also, we hear from Dr. Kristian Bjørkdahl who has earned a PhD in rhetoric and continues his studies at the Centre for Development and the Environment, at the University of Oslo. Oh, and Aristotle makes a surprise cameo appearance.
Art House
Sung to the tune of Be Our Guests, the Beauty and the Beast classic song, Jason Zeikowitz, a master of sustainability at Arizona State University, performs a showstopper about Scientists. Check out his videos on YouTube and follow Science Sigh on Twitter
Puzzler
Last month's question was about food. What is a food you love that is threatened by Climate Change? We hear from three different Citizens' Climate Lobby volunteers who attended the International Conference in Washington, DC.
New Puzzler Question
Using metaphor to talk about climate change is very important. We can relate the effects of climate change or our response to it to our own lives in many ways, including our childhood experiences. So here is your puzzler question: Fill in the blank. When I think about climate change, it reminds me of when ___________ Think back to your childhood. The memory may have absolutely nothing to do with climate change. It might be aobut a loss you experienced, a sudden change in your life, or a revelation about your role in the world. When I think about climate change, it reminds me of when _________. Fill in the blank and explain.
Send Peterson your answers. Leave your name, contact info, and where you are from.
Get back to him by August, 15, 2017. You can also email your answers to radio @ citizensclimate.org that’s radio @ citizensclimate.orgText Peterson or leave a voicemail of 3 minutes or less at 570.483.8194. (+1 if calling from outside the USA.)
Dig Deeper
- The Uninhabitable Earth, by David Wallace Wells
- Why Scare Tactics Won’t Stop Climate Change by Rachel Becker
- Did that New York Magazine Article Freak You Out? Good by David Roberts
- Aristotles’ Rhetoric: Book II Chapter 5 Fear
- Flateyri Avalanche Documentary
- What is an Anti-Avalanche Barrier? Veðurstofa Iceland
- Iceland’s Avalanche Monitoring System
- When did the USA join the World War II War?
You can hear Citizens’ Climate Radio on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Podbean, and now on Northern Spirit Radio. Also, feel free to connect with other listeners, suggest program ideas, and respond to programs in the Citizens’ Climate Radio Facebook group or on Twitter at @CitizensCRadio.
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