What’s in a Frame? Communication and Eco-Comedy in a Polarized, ‘Changing’ Climate

Dr. Takach was awarded Research and Professional Development funds for a virtual presentation on the rising controversy over the positioning of ‘climate’ in public discourse.

Blending framing analysis, critical discourse analysis and arts-based research (particularly eco-comedy), this virtual presentation interrogates the rising controversy over the positioning of ‘climate’ in public discourse. We weather the storm to ask: (1) What is framing and why should it matter in environmental studies? (2) How has ‘climate’ been termed in Canadian news media? (3) Through what frames can we analyze those communications? (4) What implications and lessons arise for those seeking depolarized dialogue—and ultimately, action—on climate change/crisis/etc. and other formidable and urgent environmental concerns facing Canada and the world today?