Lee Jackson shares his thoughts on changing climate conversations
The climate emergency is constantly evolving, so it’s only natural that the terms we use when discussing it are changing too. As the defining issue of modern society, it’s helpful to use the right terms when tackling the subject of the climate crisis.
This is easier said than done. In just the last few years, we’ve seen the narrative and terminology surrounding the climate evolve considerably – informed by changing attitudes and a growing understanding of the complex issues at play.
The importance of using the right terminology
The language used when referring to the human impact on the climate is critical because it frames our response to the crisis. Terms like “climate emergency” or “global heating” have replaced milder expressions such as “climate change” or “global warming” to convey the urgency and severity of the situation.
This shift in terminology is not just cosmetic. It’s a deliberate effort to align public perception with the scientific consensus that immediate action is required. The right terminology galvanises public support, shapes policy debates, and ensures that our discourse reflects the reality of the crisis we face.
Why is climate terminology evolving?
As our understanding of the climate crisis deepens, our vocabulary evolves to capture the nuances of the problem and its solutions. This is driven by ongoing scientific research, technological advancements, and shifts in public consciousness.
The term “carbon footprint”, for example, has become widely used as we recognise the impact of individual and collective actions on greenhouse gas emissions.
“Climate justice” has also emerged as a crucial concept, acknowledging that the effects of climate change are not borne equally, with marginalised communities often facing the brunt of the crisis. This is an important consideration in the drive to decarbonise our economies, narrative that champions a fair transition is vital to maintain societal support.
The introduction of terms like “regenerative agriculture” and “circular economy” reflects an evolving understanding of the solutions at our disposal, emphasising sustainability and the need to work within our ecological limits. As we learn more about the climate, ecosystems, and human activity, our vocabulary expands to encompass these complex relationships.
Which terms are falling out of favour?
Certain terms have become outdated or fallen out of favour because they no longer reflect current understanding. “Climate change” is increasingly seen as insufficient to describe the catastrophic impacts of rising global temperatures, trivialising the gravity of the situation. Similarly, “global warming” focuses only on temperature increases and used in isolation ignores other critical changes such as extreme weather events, ocean acidification, and biodiversity loss.
Terms that imply a false sense of security or inevitable success, such as “sustainable growth”, are also scrutinised. Many experts argue that continuous economic growth is incompatible with sustainability, advocating instead for terms that emphasise balance and equity, such as “sustainable development.” In this regard there is increased scrutiny and often cynicism where organisations add a “sustainable” or “ethical” tag before a product that is commonly understood to be the opposite.
Another significant topic here is that of Carbon Neutral versus Net Zero. The lack of understanding here allows unhelpful claims to be made with many people unaware of the difference between these approaches.
Educating, not berating
It is important to understand that the evolution of climate terminology is about educating and empowering people, not berating them for using outdated terms. Language evolves as we grow in our understanding of the climate crisis, and it is natural for there to be a period of adjustment as new terms are adopted. Criticising individuals for not keeping up with the latest terminology can be counterproductive, alienating those who are still learning about the issue.
Instead, we should focus on fostering a culture of learning and inclusivity, where everyone feels welcome to participate in the conversation, regardless of their familiarity with the latest terms. By prioritising education and understanding, we can build a broad coalition of support for the urgent actions needed to address the climate emergency.
Final thoughts
The evolving vocabulary of the climate emergency reflects our deepening understanding of the crisis and the solutions at our disposal. It is our responsibility to embrace this evolution, educating ourselves and others about the significance of the terms we use. We need to strike a balance between helping people to understand the evolving terminology whilst at the same time holding those to account that seek to benefit through inflated or misplaced claims.
By carefully selecting our words, we can ensure that our language drives action, fosters inclusivity, and accurately reflects the challenges and opportunities of the climate crisis.
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