Generational conflict or shared responsibility? Finding common ground across generations
When it comes to climate change, the interests of the young and the old seemingly stand diametrically opposed to one another. But does this oft-cited generational conflict truly exist? Or can our shared responsibility for the future be used to build new bridges? In today’s edition, we explore these questions by looking at three recent […]
Study of the month: How (radical) protest affects publics
Climate protests have repeatedly sparked broad public debates in recent years. At times, activists have even been compared to terrorist organizations—and public discourse has drifted away from the central question of how effective climate action can be achieved. Drawing on two studies, we ask: does it have to be this way? Research shows that both […]
Is Climate Overshoot the New Tipping Points?
Tipping points are everywhere in climate communication, and so is the endless arguing about them. Climate overshoot is more of a newcomer in the climate change discourse: is it here to replace the tipping points framing? We need ambitious climate action, because … — The second part of this sentence will most likely contain some reference to tipping points. […]
Poetry for Climate: The One
It’s very hot today,
But not concerning in any way.
It rains, it snows, it’s always changing –
I don’t know what you are really claiming.
Experts and Pundits During Crisis on (TV) News
During crises, the role of news media is crucial. They are expected to deliver coherent, science-based information, promote transparency, and act as responsible intermediaries between governmental authorities and the public. When it comes to climate issues, media face additional challenges due to the complexity and scale of related events.
Study of the Month: (Disruptive) Climate Protests and Social Media Polarization
Disruptive climate protests attract significantly higher engagement on social media—but also contribute to deeper polarization. This raises questions about how activist movements can—or should—design their actions and communicate their goals in polarized online environments. In our “Study of the Month” series, the blog team presents recent research relevant to climate communication and social media studies. […]
Climate Matters is Back Online!
After taking a break, climatematters.de is proudly back online with a renewed layout, an extended team of authors and some new ideas on where we want to go. Climatematters.de strives to become your companion to research and commentary concerning media debates about climate change and ecology. Starting as a climate debate Watchblog around the climate […]
Comparing Coverage of Climate Change Across the Global North and South
India and Thailand are among the countries affected most by climate change. Still, we know little about how news media in these nations cover climate change. In a recent study, we wanted to change that and asked: How and how much do countries from the Global North and South cover climate change?
Unseen Scenes From COP26: E-Racing Cars And Youthwashing Events
“COP has now become a Global North Greenwashing Festival”, summarized Greta Thunberg as she closed the rally of the Youth Climate Strike in Glasgow. Greta has come a long way. In 2018, COP24 elevated her voice onto the global consciousness. The young, then 15-year-old girl talking in an accusing, emotional tone, to the distant, very […]
After Lunch Post: Zum Essen mit Sighard Neckel
Wie kommt die Gesellschaft in die Zukunft? Sighard Neckel, Professor für Soziologie an der Universität Hamburg, unterscheidet drei Szenarien. (1) Modernisierung. Dies ist der Merkel-Weg, den die meisten westlichen Politiker:innen gehen. Sie erkennen die vor uns liegenden ökologischen Probleme durchaus an, wagen aber nur kleine Schritte Richtung Klimaschutz, Nachhaltigkeit, aber ohne große Veränderungen an den […]