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Ah, I see the climate comms wars are waging again. I almost missed the movement infighting in the chaos of the Tr*mp years. My two cents:
On a strictly story note: this is a riveting story by @lizweil. It's tragic, cringe-y, relatable, raw, even funny. https://twitter.com/FowlerSarah/status/1353867925359362048
On a strictly story note: this is a riveting story by @lizweil. It's tragic, cringe-y, relatable, raw, even funny. https://twitter.com/FowlerSarah/status/1353867925359362048
In working with TV & film writers + producers, when I ask what they most need to tell more/better climate stories in popular media, one of the most common answers is "character-driven" stories - this is exactly what they mean. https://www.propublica.org/article/the-climate-crisis-is-worse-than-you-can-imagine-heres-what-happens-if-you-try
We 
need many more varied character-driven climate stories than just those of the lone white male. But I have to applaud @ClimateHuman for his vulnerability and passion. Sharing these kinds of fears, traumas, and flaws with the world isn't easy for anyone.
need many more varied character-driven climate stories than just those of the lone white male. But I have to applaud @ClimateHuman for his vulnerability and passion. Sharing these kinds of fears, traumas, and flaws with the world isn't easy for anyone.
On a personal note, I can relate to falling into extended bouts of existential dread that nearly drives yourself and your family mad. I felt that part of his pain and story on a visceral, heart level.
The current debate amongst climate comms circles on this piece reminds me of how many climate insiders freaked out when @dwallacewells published his initial article that turned into "Uninhabitable Earth." Back then, my response was: 1) it's a fucking good story
and 2) because it's a good story, it's reaching audiences far beyond what the climate movement (which, let's face it, is not known for it's creative and storytelling prowess) is itself is usually able to do - and that's a win for us.
Even a cursory look at how far this story is being shared and how it's impacting and resonating with people outside of the climate movement suggests @lizweil's story on Peter Kalmus is doing the same.
Given the dearth of compelling climate characters and stories in popular media and culture, I still tend towards thinking that almost any climate story or character that breaks beyond the INSANITY of our news cycle and captures people's imaginations & exhausted attention
- even if the only *productive* takeaway from the story is: "you're not crazy or alone for having these fears and feelings" - is a good thing. Not every story has to be hopeful. And not feeling alone/crazy can be a good and necessary first step to finding courage.
In general, IMHO, it's rarely if ever a good idea for climate activists or scientists (or anyone else) to presume to dictate to writers and artists which stories to tell, or how to tell them. Storytelling is their job.
That being said, I CAN'T WAIT for writers to find and tell more of the MANY captivating stories of POC, women, & indigenous climate characters. If you need help finding them, I'd be elated to give you some ideas + connects.
As a side note: the photography in this story is stunning.
