GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE COMMUNICATION: THE CONCEPTUAL ASPECT

Abstract

The article examines the conceptual component of climate communications and emphasizes that in the current conditions of global climate change, climate communications is an integral element of the implementation of climate policy and is defined as a process related to increasing public awareness of global climate changes and the formation of understanding and support climate policy, measures for adaptation and mitigation of the consequences of global climate change at all levels. Theories and concepts that make up the basis of climate communications are considered, in particular, the theory of globalization and globalization of communication, new humanism, sustainable development, ecological culture, climate justice, and climate theory. It is shown that all climate theories can be conditionally divided according to their explanation of the causes of global climate change, in particular, anthropogenic causes, causes independent of human activity and denial of climate change and proposing ways to solve global climate challenges. The definition of “climate change” in the UN’s basic documents shows that the UN recognizes both approaches and agrees that climate change can be caused by both human activities and natural causes. The concept of climate humanism in relation to climate communications is proposed, which combines two key ideas: the need to solve global climate challenges and the importance of humanity’s participation in this process for the protection and well-being of humanity in the context of a changing climate environment. In the author’s opinion, in the context of the concept of climate humanism, climate communications can be considered as its component and a universal tool that unites approaches to the implementation of information and communication campaigns. It is concluded that the presence of many theories and concepts regarding the understanding of the causes and methods of overcoming global climate change has led to a state of uncertainty in modern scientific thought, which should be taken into account when implementing climate communications.