Sharing a new publication on climate communication co-authored with Luke Shors. Our commentary article is featured in the latest issue of the journal BioNatura: The Ibero-American Journal of Biotechnology and Life Sciences (link below):
Beyond ‘Crisis’ and ‘Change’: Why Climate Needs Stages, Not Adjectives
Climate science has struggled for decades to generate public response proportionate to its severity. The term “climate change” allows for neutral, or even positive interpretations. “Climate crisis” and “climate catastrophe” are more accurate, but lack specificity to guide action.
We propose a climate communication framework analogous to the “TNM” cancer staging system (tumor, node, metastases). This cancer staging model conveys not only severity, but progression and the rationale for proportionate intervention. The way we describe a disease like cancer determines our willingness to accept treatment, even when treatments like chemotherapy and radiation have devastating side effects. The same may be true for how societies respond to planetary-scale threats.
Read the full open-access article here: [link]
Thoughts? Comments? We’re interested in hearing from colleagues working across the science communication, planetary health, and climate policy sectors.
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