Earth and Atmospheric Sciences: Extreme Weather and Natural Disasters

Abstract

Campbell examines programmes related to the earth and atmospheric sciences that have attracted particular criticism for their populist, sensationalist and problematic content. The chapter concentrates on the so-called ‘weather porn’ programmes, those which focus on extreme weather and natural disasters. Campbell contrasts techniques relating to claims to the real and visual authenticity used in conventional science programmes with those used by programmes on natural disasters, where the experiential immediacy of the typically amateur cameraperson is often favoured over the sober exposition of scientific experts. In focusing on disaster impacts, the destruction of built capital and imaging disasters through the use of CGI Campbell argues ‘weather porn’ programmes are part of the cultural tradition of the apocalyptic sublime response to extreme weather and natural disasters.