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Theory and language of climate change communication

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  • Brigitte Nerlich
  • Nelya Koteyko
  • Brian Brown

Abstract

Climate change communication has become a salient topic in science and society. It has grown to be something like a booming industry alongside more established ‘communication enterprises’, such as health communication, risk communication, and science communication. This article situates the theory of climate change communication within theoretical developments in the field of science communication. It discusses the importance and difficulties inherent in talking about climate change to different types of publics using various types of communication tools and strategies. It engages with the difficult issue of the relationship between climate change communication and behavior change, and it focuses, in particular, on the role of language (metaphors, words, strategies, frames, and narratives) in conveying climate change issues to stakeholders. In the process, it attempts to provide an overview of emerging theories of climate change communication, theories that recently have begun to proliferate quite dramatically. In some cases, we can, therefore only provide signposts to the most relevant research that is being carried out with regard to climate change communication without being able to engage with all its aspects. We end with an assessment of how communication could be improved in light of the theories and practices discussed in this article. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. This article is categorized under: Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Communication Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Sociology/Anthropology of Climate Knowledge

Suggested Citation

  • Brigitte Nerlich & Nelya Koteyko & Brian Brown, 2010. "Theory and language of climate change communication," Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 1(1), pages 97-110, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:wirecc:v:1:y:2010:i:1:p:97-110
    DOI: 10.1002/wcc.2
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    Cited by:

    1. Sarah Cardey & Pamela Joyce Moraleda Eleazar & Juliet Ainomugisha & Macneil Kalowekamo & Yurii Vlasenko, 2024. "Communication for Development: Conceptualising Changes in Communication and Inclusive Rural Transformation in the Context of Environmental Change," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-28, June.
    2. Gerrath, Maximilian H.E.E. & Olya, Hossein & Shah, Zahra & Li, Huaiyu, 2024. "Virtual influencers and pro-environmental causes: The roles of message warmth and trust in experts," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 175(C).
    3. Meifen Wu & Ruyin Long & Hong Chen & Jiaqi Wang, 2023. "The influence of risk perception on climate change communication behavior: a dual perspective of psychological distance and environmental values," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 118(1), pages 785-806, August.
    4. Heejin Han & Sang Wuk Ahn, 2020. "Youth Mobilization to Stop Global Climate Change: Narratives and Impact," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-23, May.

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