Spotlight on Health & Climate Change: How do we make change?
Oct 12, 2023
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Professors Colin Davis and Dana Fisher discuss the effectiveness of social movements and activism in persuading the public and politicians to support action on climate change. They explore challenges in climate change communication, performative climate negotiations, health co-benefits, the role of intersectionality in activism, and the involvement of adults in the climate movement.
Effective climate communication is crucial in persuading the public and politicians to support bolder action on climate change.
Vested interests connected to fossil fuel industries often block or limit climate action at the international and national levels.
Deep dives
Importance of Effective Climate Communication
Effective climate communication is crucial in persuading the public and politicians to support bolder action on climate change. The scientific evidence alone has not been sufficient to drive sufficient change. People's prior beliefs and motivated reasoning often influence their perception and acceptance of climate science. Public opinion polls show that the majority of the UK public believes in the reality and urgency of climate change and supports the net zero target. However, misinformation, vested interests, and political affiliations can hinder progress.
Political Will and Vested Interests in Climate Action
Despite the availability of scientific evidence on climate change for decades, political will has been lacking. Vested interests connected to fossil fuel industries often block or limit climate action at the international and national levels. In the United States, fossil fuel interests influence policy-making and the decisions made in international climate negotiations. Money from fossil fuel interests plays a role in campaigns of elected officials across political parties. To address the climate crisis effectively, it is crucial to acknowledge and challenge these vested interests.
Intersectionality and Broadening the Climate Movement
The climate movement needs to expand and diversify to address the intersecting issues of justice, racial equity, and economic equality. While climate activists are concerned about justice, much of the movement remains predominantly white and highly educated. Intersectionality can play a key role in mobilizing broader sections of the population and involving communities of color and frontline communities. Solidarity between the climate movement and labor movement is crucial, considering the connection between clean energy diffusion, workers' rights, and economic equity.
The Role of Activism and Collective Action
Activism has the potential to bring about substantial social change necessary to address the climate crisis. Non-violent civil disobedience and disruptive actions can effectively gain media attention and create pressure on politicians and decision-makers. Activism needs to continue to evolve and find new ways to shock the public and decision-makers into taking meaningful action. Examples include high-profile protests, raising awareness through media attention and online platforms, and strategic collaborations with other social movements and organizations.
Action on climate change globally has been too little, too slow, or politically fragile. Professors Colin Davis and Dana Fisher join John Carson, Senior Editor at The Lancet Planetary Health, to discuss how social movements and activism can effectively persuade the public and politicians to support bolder action on climate change.