In this episode we look at the chapter “Journalism, Climate Communication and Media Alternatives” by Robert A Hackett and Shane Gunster from Carbon Capitalism and Communication. This book examines the role of communication in discussing the climate crisis. Specifically in this chapter, Hackett and Gunster critique the typical climate narratives explored by journalists and offer their perspectives on three approaches that are more effective with galvanising public support. They also discuss the deficiencies inherent in mainstream media that call on the need for alternative spaces for more radical action. 

This episode was the first we ever recorded back in July 2020, which is why there is no mention of the recent Senate inquiry into media diversity in Australia which occurred at the time of launching this podcast. The inquiry was announced on 11 November 2020 following a petition against the Murdoch media empire, instigated by former Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, gained over half a million signatures.

Recorded on 15th July 2020

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In this episode we refer to a chapter Different Ways of Knowing: Trees Are Our Families Too, by Gladys and Jill Milroy, in Heartsick for Country: Stories of Love, Spirit and Creation, edited by Morgan, Mia and Kwaymullina 2008. In this chapter, the authors write that Western knowledge tends to exclude and marginalise many other ways of knowing, while imposing a belief in its superiority over all other ways of ‘knowing’ when in reality it is only one particular way of knowing the world. The 'westernaisation' of knowledge has labelled Indigenous ways of knowing as myth, associated with being anecdotal and unreliable. This type of denigration has damaged people and their relationships with each other and with the natural world around them. But through stories, and understanding that everyone has a birthright to be born into the right story, that we can start shaping shared futures in which we can all belong.

Recorded on 7th September 2020

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Have you ever found yourself lost for words? Maybe it's because there are no words — at least in the languages you speak. In this episode we look at research from the northern boreal forests in Ontario, Canada with the Cree, Ojibwe and Ojicree indigenous peoples. The study aimed to better understand the indigenous perspectives of framing climate change adaptation. Interestingly, these indigenous languages have no equivalent word for 'adaptation'. Sadly, the word itself had negative meanings for the indigenous peoples. For them, "adapt" meant having to suffer and survive through colonial oppression. In this story, the term blue ice shows us how even our most basic assumptions about climate language—such as 'climate adaptation'—can have myriad meanings and throws into question all the climate vernacular we may feel so comfortable using.

'Blue Ice'

The concept of blue ice, both as a phenomenon and a term, is central to the language and culture of the indegenous peoples of this area. 

Blue ice refers to a specific environmental condition and seasonal reference to the time of year when hard blue ice forms before snowfall. 

The formation of Blue ice is essential to the economy of culture of the people of this area and its disappearance signifies in both a practical and symbolic way that there is something seriously wrong with the climate.

Recorded 10 August 2020

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Welcome to Talking In This Climate, where we explore how to become more mindful and effective communicators of climate and environmental issues. In this episode, meet the creators of the podcast and our aims for the journey ahead.