Drawing on interviews with leading UK climate scientists and communicators, the authors argue that the climate science community's continued attachment to an idealised picture of value-free scientific rationality produces a 'socially constructed silence' - protecting researchers at an unconscious level from the emotional turbulence aroused by the politicisation of climate change, but leaving policymakers poorly served by open conversation about the science.
Socially Constructed Silence? Protecting Policymakers from the Unthinkable
2016
Drawing on interviews with leading UK climate scientists and communicators, the authors argue that the climate science community's continued attachment to an idealised picture of value-free scientific rationality produces a 'socially constructed silence' - protecting researchers at an unconscious level from the emotional turbulence aroused by the politicisation of climate change, but leaving policymakers poorly served by open conversation about the science.
Rosemary Randall
Related resources
Theory and frameworks Reading List
The sources on this list relate to theory and frameworks. They are not freely accessible online - most require a library subscription, institutional access, or purchase.
Denial & avoidance Reading List
The sources on this list relate to denial & avoidance. They are not freely accessible online - most require a library subscription, institutional access, or purchase.
Policy Reading List
The sources on this list relate to policy. They are not freely accessible online - most require a library subscription, institutional access, or purchase.
Explore more resources
Browse the full Research and Resources library, more articles, papers, podcasts, and reading lists.
Browse the library
Join the community
CPA is built collaboratively, by members for members. If this work resonates, come and join us.
Find out about membership
