Because climate change is serious and real, some individuals and organizations use scare tactics or over-dramatic messaging to talk about climate change. Studies have proven that these tactics are not a useful way to change people’s minds, much less educate them. Furthermore, the mission of Pacific Science Center is to inspire and educate, not to force people to change. Therefore, when talking about climate change at Pacific Science Center, stick to the facts and what you know, and encourage people to research and come to their own conclusions.
This means staying away from communication “traps” that some others employ to talk about carbon and climate change. Studies have identified four such traps:
- Crisis – Some people talk about climate change as though it’s the end of the world. They make it threatening and frightening to talk about.
- Cute Critters – Others focus on adorable animals that will be hurt or threatened by climate change. This reduces the problem—climate change is about all of us, not just polar bears—and makes some people feel hopeless and depressed.
- Invisible Process – Sometimes people try to communicate the “facts” of climate change without really explaining what they’re talking about. By using big words and failing to explain deeper concepts, they leave people feeling confused and frustrated.
- Accidents and Catastrophes – Some people use isolated incidents, such as hurricanes or fires, as evidence to support the idea that climate change is real and terrible. This confuses the science of the issue, since these are either weather events (not climate) or are not related to climate emissions. Focusing on these issues can also leave people feeling afraid.