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Peer-reviewed article

Climate change skeptics teach climate literacy? A critical discourse analysis of children's books

July 8, 2019 | Media and Technology

This critical discourse analysis examined climate change denial books intended for children and parents as examples of pseudo-educational materials reproduced within the conservative echo chamber in the United States. Guided by previous excavations in climate change denial discourses, we identified different types of skepticism, policy frames, contested scientific knowledge, and uncertainty appeals. Findings identify the ways these children's books introduced a logic of non-problematicity about environmental problems bolstered by contradictory forms of climate change skepticism and polarizing social-conflict frames. These results pose pedagogical dilemmas for educators, environmental advocates, and communication experts interested in advancing understanding and action in the face of rapid climate change.

TEAM MEMBERS

  • Nicole Colston
    Author
    Oklahoma State University
  • Julie Thomas
    Author
    University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • Citation

    ISSN : 1824-2049
    Publication Name: Journal of Science Communication
    Volume: 18
    Number: 4
    Resource Type: Research Products
    Discipline: Climate
    Audience: Elementary School Children (6-10) | Middle School Children (11-13) | Parents/Caregivers | Educators/Teachers | Museum/ISE Professionals | Learning Researchers
    Environment Type: Media and Technology | Comics, Books, and Newspapers

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