Hurricanes in Cuba. Droughts in Europe. Floods in Pakistan. These are but a few of the climate related disasters that swept the world in 2022. Most expect the same story to be told in 2023. 

But is this story the wrong story? Is it as compellingVery interesting, irresistible. as it once was? Or are people starting to get bored?

We are attracted to grim narratives. Stories of climate catastrophe make the headlines far more often than stories of hope and change. Now, American writer Rebecca Solnit argues that we need to reframe our arguments if we are to motivate people to address climate change.

The importance of storytelling in shaping public understanding of climate change cannot be understated. If the dominant story about climate change is one of doom and despair, Solnit writes, it will discourage people from taking action. However, if the story is one of hope and possibility, it will inspire people to take meaningful action.

There is no doubt: climate action needs to happen quickly. But there are still reasons to be optimistic. COP27The 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as the Conference of the Parties (COP). showed that many countries are committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 and transitioning to a cleaner future.

And people all over the world are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprintThe total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by our actions. China is the top emitter with 28% of the world's total emissions. The US is second with 14%. and promote sustainable practices.

Climate activists say that the story of climate change also needs to be reframed to prioritise the voices of those who are most affected by it. This includes the low-income nations who are disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change, yet often have little say in the decisions that affect their lives.

Whilst trying to combat climate change is a laudableSomething to be praised. aim, campaigners say that the difference individuals will make by cutting down on luxuries is small. Rather, the power people do have is to unite as citizens and demand better from national governments.

This is where imagination comes in - by imagining new ways to live and consume, new technologies, new forms of governance and new economic models that will help to reduce our carbon footprint and adapt to the changing climate.

"There's no single answer that will solve all of our future problems," declared the American author Octavia E ButlerAn African American author known for her award-winning sci fi novels. . "There's no magic bullet. Instead there are thousands of answers - at least. You can be one of them if you choose to be."

Yes: Addressing the climate crisis is not only a technical or scientific challenge, but also one that requires imagination. We need new ways of thinking and new stories that can inspire and mobilise people to take action.

No: As long as we base our stories on scientific fact there is no need to change them. The possibility of climate disaster is very real and we need people to realise that.

Or... A balance needs to be found. People must understand the urgency required to avert climate chaos - but also realise that we are making progress. Too much despair will help no one.