What If People Don't Need to Care About Climate Change to Fix It?
Dr. Hannah Ritchie argues that a focus on doom-laden stats and stories about climate change is hindering our ability to imagine solutions and build a sustainable future.
A Brighter Story
Dr. Hannah Ritchie, a senior researcher at the University of Oxford, believes that the flood of doom-laden stats and stories about climate change is preventing us from envisioning solutions and a sustainable future. In her upcoming book, Ritchie argues that there is progress being made in areas like deforestation, air cleanliness, and clean-energy technologies.
Ritchie acknowledges that the problems are massive and unsolvable, but wants to counter feelings of helplessness. While we need to act faster, she believes it's important to acknowledge the progress that has already been made and learn from it.
Interpreting 2023
In 2023, we experienced record-breaking heat, wildfires, and catastrophic flooding. While it's undeniable that we have a warming planet, Ritchie also notes that positive things are happening. For example, the International Energy Agency projected that the world was on track to add a record amount of new renewable capacity that year.
Ritchie believes that focusing on the positive aspects and looking for ways to contribute to the solutions is more productive than dwelling on the negative.
The Power of Messaging
While climate change may not be the top priority for everyone, Ritchie argues that the feeling of doom is more widespread than complacency. She acknowledges that certain demographics, particularly younger ones, feel high levels of doom and anxiety. However, she believes that the general populace should feel more concerned than they currently are.
Ritchie also emphasizes the importance of messaging. She criticizes overblown messages that can undermine trust in scientists and push people towards skepticism. Instead, she suggests building a narrative that focuses on the positive future outcomes of addressing climate change, such as cleaner air and energy security.
The Role of Science and Politics
Ritchie believes that the role of science is to identify problems and potential impacts, not dictate policy. She highlights the need to understand what different people care about and tailor the message accordingly. Ritchie also emphasizes the importance of avoiding politicization and staying focused on clear explanations.
When it comes to the political response to climate change, Ritchie believes that transformative technological change is key. She argues that political and economic systems, on their own, are not set up to respond adequately to the crisis. However, if technologies that are cheaper and better are available, people will adopt them regardless of their beliefs about climate change.
