How to communicate climate change

Posted on May 23, 2017 by Climate Tasmania

BOOK REVIEW: By David Hamilton

“What We Think About When We Try Not To Think About Global Warming ― towards a new psychology of climate action”

I have just finished reading this book by Per Espen Stoknes. The book explores the psychology of climate denial and inaction on climate change, and suggests framing and communication strategies that are less likely to trigger denial responses.

Some of his key points are highlighted here, as they are clearly relevant to how we frame and communicate our messages.

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Local Government Forum: May 11

Posted on April 22, 2017 by Climate Tasmania

Local councils are expected to play an increasing role in both climate change mitigation and adaptation. To bring greater understanding to this, Climate Tasmania and the Local Government Association (LGAT) hosted an important forum on May 11.

In recent years Tasmanian councils have had to shoulder fallout from a range of severe weather related events such as catastrophic wildfires, coastal erosion and harm to roads and other infrastructure as a result of severe flooding. In parallel, local government also has a critical role to play in carbon pollution mitigation, such as landfill and fleet management.

[The forum was open to both local government personnel and interested members of the public and was well attended by council officers from around the state. See Peter Boyer’s story here.]

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March for Science: April 22

Posted on April 14, 2017 by Climate Tasmania

In this era we need science and science needs us.

Click on the graphic above to find out more. See media coverage here.

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Psychology of climate change denial

Posted on March 25, 2017 by Chris Harries

It’s the 64 million dollar question that climate scientists ask. When presented with stark information on the rate of climate change that is happening why are so many people and governments all over the world so prepared to look the other way?

A number of commentators, including George Marshall, have written about this phenomenon to better inform how we communicate climate change but professor of psychology, Daniel Gilbert, perhaps nails the denial problem better than any other. Click here to see the video clip.

Gilbert’s original TED talk has had some 8 million views since 2014.

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Open letter to parliamentary leaders

Posted on March 10, 2017 by Climate Tasmania

Mel FitzAn open letter has been sent to the three party leaders in the House of Assembly drawing attention to the Tasmanian Parliament’s inability to address the now-urgent issue of climate change.

Signatory, Dr Fitzpatrick, is a climate scientist and member of Climate Tasmania. Copies of the letter have also been sent to all MPs in both Houses. Climate Tasmania is now approaching community leaders to join in this appeal for a unified approach.

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Financial regulator warns business on climate risk

Posted on February 19, 2017 by Chris Harries

Australia’s financial regulator (APRA) has warned that climate change poses a material risk to the entire financial system, and has urged companies to start seriously adapting.

Geoff Summerhayes, from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, says it is unsafe for companies to ignore the risks of climate change just because there is some uncertainty, or “even some controversy”, about the policy outlook. (See story here.)

How will Tasmanian businesses be affected by climate change?

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Music for a Warming World

Posted on February 18, 2017 by Climate Tasmania

Mixing entertainment with science.
Coming to Hobart in February.
Click the graphic for event details.
Plus more info here.

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SLT’s Climate Solutions Project

Posted on February 10, 2017 by Climate Tasmania

“A THRIVING TASMANIA THAT MEETS THE CLIMATE CHALLENGE HEAD ON”

That’s what the Sustainable Living Tasmania group is proposing through its expert-backed project to show how it can be done. Below is a video clip introduction to the project. Please do take 11 minutes to listen to Todd Houstein’s message of hope.

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2017: It’s time to re-set the clock on climate change

Posted on January 4, 2017 by Climate Tasmania

MEDIA RELEASE: Tasmania’s professional advisory body on climate change has described 2016 as a massive wake-up call, and warned that it’s time to reset the clock on climate action in 2017.

Diesel generators brought in to prop up Tasmania’s power system during 2016 (ABC photo)

“The last year has burned climate change risks into the public’s consciousness like never before,” said Philip Harrington, Co-Convenor of Climate Tasmania. “Our policy makers need to make 2017 the year to re-set the clock on the state’s climate change strategies, to protect Tasmania from further economic harm.”

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Can the World Meet Paris Climate Goals Without the United States?

Posted on November 16, 2016 by Chris Harries

04-21-unfccc-parisIt’s been a week since the US elections elected Donald Trump as president and the above question is burning in the minds of all those concerned about climate change.

Nobody has a clear answer to this speculation right now. Here is one article that surveys the scene without being too fatalistic or naively optimistic.

“One thing is for certain: The complex pact to limit global warming to less than two degrees Celsius will live on. Even if the United States pulls out, enough other countries have ratified the agreement to trigger its entry into force. And many experts say they don’t expect the rest of the world to slack off on aggressive climate action simply because of the U.S. election…”

Click here to read the whole article.

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