Global
warming has moved to center stage of the national
consciousness faster than could have been predicted even a
year ago. Outside of activist circles, “global warming” has
gone from obscure term to prominent theory to widely accepted
fact in a relatively brief period of time. In terms of public
awareness, advocates have succeeded. Yet in terms of
effecting changes that will mitigate the effects of global warming, there
is a long way to go.
That is why
we encourage advocates to consciously, intentionally, and consistently use communication tactics tied to the reality of the
moment and not the needs or successes of the recent past.
The opportunity is to stay ahead of the
public discourse by focusing on the next phase: solutions.
Getting sidetracked by unhelpful, delay-inducing “debates” on
global warming perpetuates the status quo.
Thinking and
communicating strategically about solutions to global
warming means:
•
Focus on
opportunities, solutions, and results.
•
Recognize
that many supporters of the status quo “debate” global warming
not to inform, but to delay action. Engaging in the "debate"
plays into their hands.
•
Target
decision makers (e.g. politicians, utility executives,
investors) who can effect change.
•
Use language
that is motivating (solutions), not immobilizing (crisis).
Global Warming: Tips on Moving Forward
• Avoid trying to convince the final holdouts on global warming.
Engaging them diverts precious time and resources.
• Do not talk about weather in the context of global warming. It’s too complicated scientifically, and it invites ridicule and doubt in cold
weather. Most important, it shifts focus away from solutions.• Do not assign blame for what has already happened.
Playing the "blame game" will not help anyone; only shaping future energy policies will.
• Do not talk about "Saving the Planet." Even for the minority of the population most concerned about the environment,
this is not the key value. Furthermore, “saving the planet” doesn’t even make sense; the planet will survive with or without its residents. |
The foundational story behind global warming should be that
clean energy will lead the
way in reducing global warming pollution and global warming.
