The language of debate & communication about climate change in Flanders

Language never simply represents facts but always also conveys stance, often in half-hidden ways. This colloquium wants to raise awareness of the importance of language as a medium in the debate about climate change and climate action, which engages people not only cognitively, but also socially and emotionally. 

At the final colloquium of “The language of debate and communication about climate change” Kjersti Fløttum and Mike S. Schäfer presented their analysis of climate change communication in Flanders, and formulated recommendations for enhanced and inclusive communication.

Representatives from education, media management, science communication, government, and citizen initiatives were invited to respond to the recommendations and reflect on their implications for Flanders. Participants were involved in this reflection during afternoon break-out sessions.