Science and science communication of anthropogenic climate change and extreme weather-related events: A Critical Discourse Analysis of the Alpha Road/Tambaroora bushfire in Australia, 2023
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: There is evidence of increased links in media coverage between anthropogenic climate change and heatwaves, wildfires and flooding events. This usually pertains to major disasters, but that is a relative concept as the notion of disaster is contextual and disasters are devastating at smaller scales for the people impacted. Media reporting of the Alpha Road/Tambaroora bushfire in the central-west region of New South Wales (Australia), in March 2023, was analysed using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to analyse links between science, anthropogenic climate change and an extreme weather-related event. The focus on proximate causes, costs and impact on livelihoods, along with the absence of climate change discourse, highlights a need for attribution science to undertake rapid assessments and accurately connect climate change with significant weather-related events, not just large-scale disasters. This will ensure media salience and assist with science communication now, while also providing accurate scientific information that can be used in future extreme weather-related events.
Source: Global Environmental Change
Author: Phil McManus
Institution: The University of Sydney
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $6,440
OpenAlex ID: W4409535801