Keywords
climate change, media, environmental, communication, ideology, discourse
Abstract
This major research paper explores how climate change is discussed in the Calgary Herald and what some of the potential implications might be for such discourse. I argue that communication about climate change must be altered in order to generate widespread public understanding. First, I argue that climate change must be regarded as an issue of social justice if it is to gain any traction as a social movement. Next, I review the current state of governmental and environmental action within Alberta. Then efforts are directed towards explaining the importance of communication, and in particular, how certain texts can be ideologically constrained. A content analysis and a critical discourse analysis are conducted on a sample of articles from the Calgary Herald that include the term climate change. Finally, suggestions are made to help readers improve communications on the subject, reduce their carbon footprint, and support sustainability.
Primary Advisor
Karen Engle
Program Reader
Susan Bryant
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Communication, Media and Film
Document Type
Major Research Paper
Convocation Year
2018