Talking about climate change or global warming?

A recent Yale University study found that the two commonly used terms "Global warming" and "Climate change" receive very different responses.

According to the British Guardian newspaper, US President Barack Obama, scientists and campaigners in the US have been investigating how to attract American people to pay more attention to environmental issues. . And now researchers have come up with a hint: use the word "Global warming" instead of "Climate change" .

A new report released on Tuesday showed that the term "global warming" is used to describe big, serious environmental problems, while the phrase "climate change." " did not attract any attention.

The term "Global warming" makes listeners think of images of melting ice

Although these two terms are often used interchangeably, paradoxically, according to researchers from Yale University's Climate Change Communication Project, the American public's interest in These two phrases are completely opposite.

Scientist Anthony Leiserowitz of Yale University, one of the leaders of this project, said: "These two phrases are listened to and understood in two completely different directions. Therefore, which choice to use? It is very important, depending on the person you are communicating with. "

According to the report, the term "Global warming" is much heavier. It makes listeners think of images of melting ice, extreme weather or natural disasters. Meanwhile, referring to "Climate Change" will cause many Americans to be distracted, not interested in the matter anymore.

Researchers found that naming the issue of "Global warming" instead of "Climate change" will make it easier for us to connect with listeners. Overall, the proportion of Americans questioned tends to think that global warming is a problem that needs to be solved 13% higher than the rest.

The difference is even greater in African-American, Latino, women and youth communities. Specifically, the proportion of Latin American Americans who consider global warming is a 30% higher threat to individuals than climate change. The difference in this rate for the African American group is 20%.

In 2002, former President George W. Bush tried to change the term global warming with climate change, as recommended by the Republican political adviser, Frank Luntz.

Former US President George Bush

In a memorandum just before the midterm election, Luntz warned Republican MPs - and specifically President Bush - who were very weak at the time. He has come up with a strategy of debate in climate science, which refers to avoiding the use of "global warming" because of its negative meaning.

"It's time for us to start saying" climate change "instead of" global warming "because it means less negative," according to the memorandum stored.

However, every effort to change has completely failed

The administration of President Obama, scientists and campaigning organizations all struggle with communicating to the American people about global climate issues. Officials in President Obama's first term avoided speaking of both terms because they thought it would give the Republican Party an opportunity to refute. Instead, they use terms like "clean energy" or "green jobs".

As for scientists, they often use "climate change" instead of "global warming" for technical reasons. Meanwhile, the campaigning organizations say that "global warming" has too many political factors, and using "climate change" will easily win the hearts of Republican Party members. more (former President Bush's administration also prioritizes "climate change" ) .

This report is based on an investigation of 1657 people, showing that a large number of Americans ignore the phrase "climate change".

"The use of the term" climate change "really reduces the interest of American people, from Democrats, to liberals, moderate people, as well as groups. others in the US community, including men, women, ethnic minorities, Americans of different generations, and crossed political and partisan boundaries " - according to the report - " If As global warming has a negative meaning, climate change has more control and less emotional challenges. "

According to the report, there is no indication that the use of the term climate change has given the Democratic Party an advantage over the Republican Party in the last election.

In conclusion, scientist Leiserowitz said: "This report is roughly like a wake-up call. It shows the complexity of this problem and therefore, must choose the right word for the person you are communicating, otherwise you will not be able to get the results you expect ".