Learning from the climate change debate to avoid polarisation on negative emissions
Colvin, R.M.; Kemp, L.; Talberg, A.; De Castella, C.; Downie, C.; Friel, S.; Grant, W.J.; Howden, M.; Jotzo, F.; Markham, F.; Platow, M.J. (2019). Learning from the climate change debate to avoid polarisation on negative emissions. Environmental Communication-A Journal of Nature and Culture 14(1): 23-35. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17524032.2019.1630463
In: Environmental Communication-A Journal of Nature and Culture: Abingdon. ISSN 1752-4032; e-ISSN 1752-4040, more
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| Authors | | Top |
- Colvin, R.M.
- Kemp, L.
- Talberg, A.
- De Castella, C.
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- Downie, C.
- Friel, S.
- Grant, W.J.
- Howden, M.
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- Jotzo, F.
- Markham, F.
- Platow, M.J.
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| Abstract |
This paper identifies critical lessons from the climate change experience to guide how communications and engagement on negative emissions can be conducted to encourage functional public and policy discourse. Negative emissions technologies present a significant opportunity for limiting climate change, and are likely to be necessary to keep warming below 2°C. While the concept of negative emissions is still in its infancy, there is evidence of nascent polarization, and a lack of nuance in discussion of individual technologies. We argue that if negative emissions technologies are to be implemented effectively andsustainably, an effective governance regime is needed; built onfunctional societal discourse and avoiding the ideological baggage ofthe broader climate change debate or the controversies concerninggeoengineering. At its core, our argument is to avoid the ideologicalbundling of negative emissions; this can be pursued directly and viacareful selection of communication frames and the use of non-partisan,trusted messengers. Whether these lessons are heeded may determine ifnegative emissions are governed proactively, or are distorted politically, misused and delayed. |
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