Transformative Frames for Climate Threat in the Anthropocene

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Social Science
• Policy Studies

Background:

• Traditional risk discourse in climate change science may be insufficient for catalyzing urgent action.
• Emerging interdisciplinary frames, such as the Anthropocene, are increasingly linked with heightened climate threat terminology.
• These new framings include 'climate crisis,' 'climate emergency,' and 'climate catastrophe,' signaling a shift in perception and urgency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and analyze new inter and transdisciplinary frames of climate change threats.
• To discuss the specific meanings and consequences of terms like 'Anthropocene,' 'climate crisis,' 'climate emergency,' and 'climate catastrophe.'
• To argue for the necessity of these stronger frames over mere 'risk' discourse.

Main Methods:

• Mini literature review of academic and policy documents.
• Conceptual analysis of climate change framing.
• Discourse analysis of terminology used in climate change discourse.

Main Results:

• The study identifies and discusses several new frames for understanding climate change threats.
• It highlights that terms like 'climate crisis' and 'climate emergency' carry significant weight and implications.
• The analysis suggests these frames are more effective than 'risk' in promoting transformative change.

Conclusions:

• New framings of climate change, including 'climate crisis' and 'climate emergency,' are essential for fostering transformative change.
• These frames open up new avenues for climate change science, citizen engagement, and policy responses.
• A plurality of frames and context-dependent policies, rather than a single approach, are recommended, acknowledging cultural and situational variations.