by Note to the Editor: Bill McGuire Emeritus Professor of Geophysical & Climate Hazards at University College London and author of “Hothouse Earth: An Inhabitant’s Guide.” The opinions expressed in this commentary are his own. Read more CNN opinion here.
Q: How many climate change deniers does it take to change a light bulb?
A: What are you talking about, the bulb is fine.
See, despite the post-COP28 disdain, climate change can be laughed at. In fact, it is not only possible, it is necessary.
What we wanted from the climate summit in Dubai was a binding commitment to halve emissions within six years, so that there is any chance of keeping the average global temperature rise (compared to pre-industrial times) this side of 1.5°C, and a dangerous, all-out sidestepping, climate failure.
What we found was a vague intention to transition away from fossil fuels — no timeline, no roadmap. It was the kind of result that gets mockery and head shaking in disbelief. But chuckling is a healthy response, even when things seem bleak – especially then, really.
Humor and humor have long been tried and trusted ways to deal with tough times. they help relieve stress, take the mind off the problems of the moment, and boost general well-being, all of which we need now more than ever.
In the Second World War, humor was used to degrade Hitler and reduce him to a figure of ridicule which changed him in public opinion from a monster to a joke; from someone who is scared to someone who could be beaten. Those who suffered the horrific night carpet bombing of British cities in 1940 and 1941 fought back in the only way they could, with laughter. The so-called ‘spirit’ of the Blitz depended on a good dose of black humour, which I’m sure plays a key role in lifting the mood, today, in war zones like the Ukraine.
When times are hard, people resort to wit and repartee. The reason is simple. If you don’t laugh, you’ll cry, and that’s the start of a very slippery slope. As civilization faces a threat on par with every war ever fought together, and the outcome of the latest climate COP is bleak, it is something we must – not only remember – but actively take as a weapon in our armor to fight for. a better future for our children and their children.
They say that laughter is the best medicine, but armed humor has the potential to do more than make us feel good. It can not only help to inform and educate about global warming and the climate collapse it is driving, but also to inspire and strengthen action. Fortunately, this is happening.
Because humor can engage people in ways that other approaches to climate change cannot, it can be an effective way to get the message across.
This is why ventures such as “Climate Science Translated”, which I participated in earlier this year, are so important. The British-based project — the brainchild of ethical insurer Nick Aldridge and climate communications outfit Utopia Bureau — teams up climate scientists with comedians, who ‘translate’ the science into a slightly, funny and irreverent enough that they can understand, digest and discourage. respected by anyone.
Four short films have now been made — all of which can be seen on Youtube — the first “star” for me and the wonderful comedian and actress, Kiri Pritchard-McLean.
You can take my word for it, “we are facing some major potential risks and tipping points.” Or maybe you prefer Kiri’s translation: “Even the craziest predictions probably aren’t crazy. You thought it was bad, well it’s a lot worse than that.” As Kiri clearly points out: “If comedians are helping scientists out, you know things are not going well.”
Elsewhere, a number of stand-ups have devised routines about global warming and climate change – including the great Lara Ricote, who won the award for best newcomer in 2022 at Britain’s Edinburgh Fringe comedy festival. and the climate-focused “Spoilers” by Stuart Goldsmith.“ routine, launched at this year’s festival.
There is even a “Sustainable Stand-up” course aimed at teaching comedy beginners how to address climate and social issues in their shows, and has been held in 11 countries.
In the United States, the Climate Comedy Cohort brings together comedians to develop new routines based on the hottest climate science, and take their work on the road in a series of live shows and short videos.
Some climate professionals have even taken matters into their own hands, like Scotsman Dr. Matt Winning, who has a PhD in climate policy, and who uses stand-up to convey his message: “My idea is that we will make more people afraid of flying. — so we have to put big glass floors on planes….” It may seem like plenty is happening but, as the climate continues to fall on us, it’s clear that more is needed — much more.
The world’s biggest climate scandal has ended in the United Arab Emirates, where more than 80,000 delegates – including 2,400 from the fossil fuel sector – conspired to take the mickey.
Almost three decades of climate COPs have done nothing to reduce emissions, nor to the ever-climbing concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The UK Meteorological Office has just predicted that the average global temperature rise could touch 1.5°C next year, but the final news of COP28 is still pushing forward on how we can get a permanent rise above the threshold this is crucial to avoid, while at the same time failing. to show how.
COP28 was always set to be a comedy show, and one that even the best comedy writers would struggle to top. Held in a large petrostate, whose vast wealth depends on the extraction of fossil fuels, and has no vested interest in reducing the carbon dioxide emissions that result from burning them, it was led by the head of the country’s national oil company on the conference. .
Previously leaked papers indicated that the UAE planned to take advantage of the meeting’s opportunity to establish new oil and gas markets, and – halfway through – it emerged that the COP president had defended strict on fossil fuels, arguing that there had been dumping. they would see us back living in caves.
You have to laugh – the slightly hysterical kind of laugh that quickly turns to crying. Oh, and to add to the fun, next year’s COP29 will be hosted by Azerbaijan – another major oil producer.
Instead of making progress in tackling the climate emergency, therefore, we are at least waiting, and possibly going backwards. A role for comedy to help change things has never been more urgent.
So let’s see more comedians taking the climate emergency in their shows, and let’s get the big hitters involved. Come on Bill Bailey, Lee Mack, Steve Coogan, Ricky Gervais, Jack Dee and the rest. It is your world too.
And what about a climactic sit-com – surely the time has come? “Summer Heat Wave” anyone, or maybe “Just Fools and Climate Scientists”?
I know – “The Third Overheated Rock from the Sun.”
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