Ep. 5: Feeling our experiences, the pros and cons of apocalyptic framing of climate change

In this episode, we examine the use of apocalyptic framing in climate change communications. Traditionally, the end has been nigh for religious and moralistic reasons with a call to repent (though it is safe to say this year has been uniquely challenging and thrust most of us into an existential whirlwind!). Apocalypse Forever? Post-political Populism and the Spectre of Climate Change by Erik Swyngedow challenges apocalyptic framing in climate change discourse, arguing that it more accurately signals fears for the end of capitalism. Another issue Swyngedow raises is that consensus among the scientific community has been cynically used to make climate change discourse post-political; to suggest alternative solutions or perspectives makes one “anti-science.” Join us as we take a deep dive into how we try to make sense of our place as beings part of a finite world, wrestle tensions with what it means to feel like we are living a meaningful, empowered life while understanding that death is inevitable but does not have to signify an apocalypse is coming.    Recorded 2nd November 2020. Join the Facebook group to comment, ask questions and provide feedback: bit.ly/3jgBSqZ