Year: 2009
Type: article
Abstract: Through a critical rhetorical analysis of US elite and popular press coverage of global warming, this essay explores the structuring presence and implications of apocalyptic framing. We found that the hallmarks of apocalyptic rhetoric-a linear temporality emphasizing a catastrophic end-point that is more or less outside the purview of human agency-permeate selected discourse. Two variants of the apocalyptic frame impact human agency: tragic apocalypse constitutes global warming as a matter of cosmic Fate; and comic apocalypse suggests that mistaken humans have a capacity to influence (within limits) the global warming narrative's end. We conclude with suggestions for structuring climate change communication in ways that enable more members of the public to become active advocates for, and participants in, mitigating global warming.
Source: Environmental Communication
Institution: University of Denver
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: bronze
Funder: University of Denver
OpenAlex ID: W2036097126