Transforming Negativity: Narratives of Global Warming and Its Effects

Science Center, Bent Corridor

Understanding the implications of climate change and the efforts needed to restore our planet can leave people at a loss, pushing them into a state of despair. Lertzman (2012) argues that emotions associated with negativity and despair can be transformative, that it is only by acknowledging negative emotions that we become able to address climate change. However, other research shows that talking about negative emotions can lead to defensiveness and disengagement. This project will answer the question of whether acknowledging negative emotions (despair, sadness, incapability) about environmental degradation and climate change help us to more effectively respond to the crisis, and what would be the best way to acknowledge and transform these emotions into action. In Study 1, we will collect narratives of personal experiences about natural disaster and (transforming) despair. Study 2 will incorporate these narratives as part of a series of Community Voices slides embedded in the Oberlin Environmental Dashboard website to determine whether these transformative messages promote greater positive change in viewers compared to the change encouraged by slides with explicitly positive messages and a control group devoid of slides.