Two Climate Scientists Discuss Harnessing Emotions in the Face of the Climate Crisis

In the media, the climate crisis can often seem overwhelming with daily warnings about environmental degradation and extreme weather events. However, how do climate scientists cope with the relentless reality of a shifting planet? What lessons can they share regarding the intense emotions that climate change provokes? Is there a way to leverage these feelings constructively?

New Scientist Recently, I spoke with New York-based climate scientist Kate Marvel and Tim Renton, a climate scientist at the University of Exeter, UK. Both have dedicated years to modeling the interactions of our planet in response to rising greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere. Each has authored recent works that provide insights on how to engage with and address climate emergencies.

At first glance, their books may appear quite distinct. Humanity by Marvel comprises a series of essays delving into the emotional responses elicited by climate change. In contrast, Renton’s work, A Positive Turning Point, emphasizes actionable strategies and solutions. It argues compellingly that with appropriate social, economic, and technological interventions, a significant shift toward a cleaner world is achievable.

Nonetheless, both books center around accepting our feelings about climate change, enabling us to reshape our thoughts and actions. During our discussion, Renton and Marvel emphasized why we should embrace anger, fear, pride, and hope regarding our future on this planet.

Rowan Hooper: Kate, your book discusses nine emotional perspectives on our changing planet. Would you mind starting with anger?

Kate Marvel: The chapter on anger was one of the most straightforward for me to write. I aimed to explore the historical context of climate change discovery, particularly how it intertwines with the actions of those who misrepresent it.

For example, there’s a research team striving to show that the majority of excess carbon dioxide in our atmosphere originates from fossil fuel sources, conducting innovative experiments to confirm this. They’ve deployed large ships to gather sea measurements and ultimately they’ve constructed a climate model with highly accurate predictions. Interestingly, the story traces back to an oil company, which fills me with anger. They were aware of the truths that many are just beginning to confront.

RH: Can this anger drive positive action?

KM: That’s my hope. It can be easy to fall into a negative spiral fueled solely by anger. Social media often exacerbates this outrage, but that sort of unproductive rage doesn’t lead to meaningful change.

RH: Your book also addresses emotions such as wonder, guilt, fear, sadness, surprise, pride, hope, and love. Can you share your approach to navigating these emotions?

KM: It was important for me to convey that there isn’t a singular way to feel about climate change. I often grew frustrated by narratives that insinuate you must adhere to one emotion—such as fear or anger. Living on Earth means acknowledging conflicting feelings; you care deeply about what unfolds here because your loved ones do as well.

RH: Tim, what strategies do you use to handle the emotions tied to climate change research?

Tim Renton: My focus has been on climate tipping points that could have serious implications, some of which are already beginning to manifest. For instance, up to five billion people globally depend on tropical coral reefs that are currently threatened.

Having studied this for nearly 20 years, I’ve had to cultivate a mental framework that grapples with complex systems while seeking evidence that fosters my optimism. It’s about finding plausible pathways toward necessary changes without falling into naive hope.

RH: Is it vital to strike a balance between realism and hope?

TL: Yes, that’s what I consider conditional optimism. I remain hopeful that as people read, they might join me on this journey. History shows us that meaningful inspiration comes from a handful of committed individuals.

Madeleine Cuff: Tim, much of your work revolves around the notion of tipping points. For those unfamiliar, can you explain what that entails?

TL: A tipping point refers to a moment when minor alterations result in significant impacts on systemic states and destinies. In the context of climate change, this includes major ice sheets, ocean circulations, and key biospheric aspects that can transition between stable states. For instance, the Amazon rainforest could shift into a degraded forest or savanna.

MC: What does a positive turning point look like?

TL: Drawing from various fields over decades, I’ve seen that social changes can reach a tipping point. Social protests can appear to ignite a revolution, and technological advancements can also lead to significant shifts. There’s a point when a new technology can effectively replace an existing one.

RH: A clear example is the rise of electric vehicles and the decreasing costs of solar energy. How do these contribute to a positive turning point?

TL: We need to focus on actions that facilitate positive tipping points. We must accelerate the decarbonization process significantly. Fortunately, everyone plays a role in this transition.

At the most basic level, adopting new behaviors like reducing meat consumption or embracing technologies such as electric vehicles and solar power is crucial. Most individuals have investment funds, so it is essential to scrutinize where these funds are allocated.

The narrative surrounding positive turning points often begins with passionate social activists and innovators who envision new technologies or those eager to create change.

MC: Kate, while we’ve touched on the negative emotions related to climate change, what about the positive feelings? How can they spur constructive actions?

KM: I began my book with a chapter on Wonder. When you take a step back to consider our planet and how much we understand it, it’s quite astonishing. This awe can forge connections and initiate conversations.

Typically, when I introduce myself as a climate scientist, people tend to disengage. But framing discussions around wonder can invite curiosity—for instance, asking, “Did you know that Earth’s water is likely older than our planet?” This fosters engagement. Utilizing a spectrum of emotions can be an effective communication strategy.

Research indicates that positively experienced emotions can be motivating. Pride in our achievements and the fulfillment of instigating change are significant. Social science data consistently points to love—love for family, friends, and community—as a powerful motivator for climate action. We all recognize the strength of such feelings.

My chapter on hope explores our complicated relationship with it. When asked if I hope for solutions to climate change, I compare it to asking if I hope to clean my bathroom; it’s not really a question of hope but a question of action we already know how to undertake.

As Tim rightly notes, many solutions are already at hand. We are making progress but need to increase the momentum to reach that critical turning point.

RH: We must confront our emotions, right? This might explain why so many struggle to engage with the issue—it can feel too immense to face.

KM: Absolutely. I ponder this daily, yet remain confounded by its complexity. The problem stems from global industrial activity, with CO₂ and other greenhouse gases diffusing through the atmosphere and impacting life globally.

It’s daunting to distill such a vast issue into something easily digestible. The significance of what this entails and the actions required can span a lifetime of work.

Many Americans express concern about climate change and wish for governmental action. However, polls often reveal that individuals believe others are less concerned. One of the most impactful actions an individual can take regarding climate change is to discuss it openly. By talking about it, we begin to realize we are not alone.

RH: What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

KM: I want readers to explore how they can resonate with their communities through shared experiences and narratives.

TL: My goal is for readers to feel empowered to act on what might seem like a daunting and insurmountable situation, instilling a sense of agency instead.

This is an edited version of the original interview conducted for New Scientist’s The World, The Universe, Us Podcasts.

What actionable steps can we take regarding climate change?
Tune in to Matt’s explanation on how to transform despair into action on October 18th at NewsCientist.com/nslmag