Communicating the Climate Crisis puts communication at the center of the change we need, providing concrete strategies that help break the social inertia that blocks social change and cultural transformation. After reimagining "earth" not just as the ground upon which we walk but as the atmosphere we breathe-Eairth-the book examines our consumption-based identities in fossil fuel culture and the necessity of structural change to address the climate crisis. Strategies for overcoming obstacles start with facing the emotional challenges (and the mental health tolls) of the crisis that lead to climate silence. Breaking that silence through personal climate conversations is a powerful tool that elevates the importance of the problem, finds common ground, and eases "climate anxiety." The lens of climate justice and faith-based worldviews helps articulate our moral responsibility to take drastic action to protect all humans and the living world. This book tells a new story of hope through action-not as isolated, "guilty" consumers but as social actors who engage hearts, hands, and minds to envision and create a desired future.
Julia B. Corbett is professor in the Department of Communication and Environmental Humanities Graduate Program, University of Utah.
Table of Contents Chapter 1: Eairth Chapter 2: Fossil Fuel Culture Chapter 3: Individuals as Social Actors, Not Consumers Chapter 4: Emotions and Climate Silence Chapter 5: Breaking the Silence: Strategies for Talking About Climate Change Chapter 6: Justice and Faith: The Moral Imperative of Climate Change Chapter 7: A New Relationship with Eairth Chapter 8: Telling a New Story
"In her book Communicating the Climate Crisis, Julia Corbett stands unblinking in front of humanity's fiercest enemy-like David stood before Goliath. In a calming voice, she patiently explains to her readers how we made this foe, and how with the strategic use of communication we can unmake it-and thereby create a better and more sustainable world." -- Ed Maibach, Director, Center for Climate Change Communication, George Mason University "In this comprehensive and engagingly written book, Julia Corbett lays out not only the scientific, philosophical, and emotional dimensions of global climate change, but a compelling primer for more effective communication about the most pressing environmental crisis of our time. This is a book for teachers and students, activists and politicians, scientists and artists-for anyone hoping to do a better job of communicating climate change or to understand how effective communication can enable all of us to face our changing planet." -- Scott Slovic, University Distinguished Professor of Environmental Humanities, University of Idaho
