Hope or Fear — Where Should Climate Messaging Focus?

Are you afraid? Boise, Idaho. (Image: Quarrie Photography. License)

Which emotion more effectively drives people to action: fear or hope? This is a complex but vital question we must ask ourselves in the effort to prevent runaway global climate breakdown. Until recently, our climate messaging has erred too far on the side of hope. But now several key players — Greta Thunberg’s school climate strikers, Extinction Rebellion, and the IPCC itself — are starting to…