Break In Case of Emergency Emergency Marker 4: Tell the Truth (w/ Donya Ziaee, Chris Hatch & Seth Klein)
Dec 3, 2025
Donya Ziaee is a seasoned communications strategist with a focus on climate journalism. Chris Hatch, a climate columnist and former executive director, brings insights on public understanding of environmental issues. Seth Klein, director at the Climate Emergency Unit, sheds light on emergency communication. They discuss the critical role of truth-telling in climate crises, the failures of mainstream media, and the rise of independent outlets. The conversation emphasizes the need for context in reporting and explores how honest communication can mobilize society for climate action.
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Media Can Mobilize Like Wartime Information
- World War II media and government actively framed the threat to mobilize the public.
- Seth Klein argues media should now pick the side of science to convey climate urgency.
Public Worry Doesn’t Mean Climate Literacy
- Polls show most Canadians worry about climate but lack understanding of causes and solutions.
- Chris Hatch notes media rarely connects emissions to fossil fuel burning, leaving public confused.
CBC’s Language Guide And Editorial Caution
- Donya Ziaee recounts a CBC decision to avoid consistent emergency language, citing fear of appearing biased.
- She says that passive phrasing effectively echoes establishment narratives and hides the truth.