Climate Emergency Forum welcomes Andrew Revkin, a seasoned environmental journalist. The discussion revolves around the evolution of climate change coverage in the media and the critical issues facing the climate crisis today.
This video was recorded on May 22nd, 2024, and published on June 2nd, 2024, and represents the opinions of the discussion participants.
Be sure to watch ‘til the very end where Andrew performs one of his songs.
Revkin emphasizes that a disaster is defined by the intersection of hazards and people, highlighting the importance of reducing vulnerability to climate hazards alongside decarbonizing the energy system. He argues that the term “adaptation” is somewhat flawed because it implies only future changes, whereas the focus should also be on reducing current vulnerabilities.
Revkin reflects on his journey in climate journalism, noting the significant challenges and changes over the past 40 years. He recalls the early days when climate change was a controversial and uncomfortable topic for mainstream media. He credits his work, particularly the “Dot Earth” blog at The New York Times, for helping to bring climate issues into the public eye. Revkin points out that while reducing carbon emissions is crucial, it is equally important to address societal and structural issues that exacerbate the impacts of climate events, such as urban planning and population growth in vulnerable areas.
The conversation also touches on the role of media in shaping public perception and policy. Revkin discusses the need for balanced reporting that avoids sensationalism and focuses on actionable solutions. He criticizes the tendency to attribute every extreme weather event to global warming, which can undermine the credibility of climate science. Instead, he advocates for a nuanced approach that carefully assesses the links between climate change and specific hazards.
Revkin underscores the need for innovative communication strategies to engage the public and policymakers in meaningful discussions about climate solutions.
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Dr. Peter Carter - MD, Expert IPCC Reviewer and the director of the Climate Emergency Institute
Paul Beckwith - Climate Systems Scientist. Professor at the University of Ottawa’s Paleoclimatology Laboratory as well as at Carleton University
Regina Valdez - Program Director, Climate Reality Project, NYC. GreenFaith Fellow and LEED Green Associate
Charles Gregoire - Electrical Engineer, Webmaster and IT prime for FacingFuture.Earth & the Climate Emergency Forum; Climate Reality Leader
Heidi Brault - Climate Reality Leader, BA(Psychology), Library & Information Technician Diploma - Video production and website assistant - Organizer and convener, Metadata technician, COP28 Team Lead for FacingFuture.Earth and the Climate Emergency Forum.
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