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“Climate Science Translated” involves four British comedians who help four climate scientists explain the real risks of climate change by uncomplicating climate science.
Featuring a simple narrative and a clear villain – the fossil fuel industry – the “Climate Science Translated” project brings together British comedians and climate scientists to make the climate crisis easy for ordinary people to understand – something that many academics find difficult to do.
Despite climate change being the greatest threat humanity has ever faced, research by the Climate Science Breakthrough team responsible for the project shows that only 2% of the British public know the name of a climate scientist.
“The science is absolutely clear. We are heading for irreversible and potentially catastrophic damage unless we act urgently and decisively now. But science isn’t reaching enough people either, and it isn’t reaching them in a way that makes them go unnoticed. We have to translate the data into emotional, shareable and actionable formats,” reads the project website.
“If people like me have to get involved, it’s because we’re in a lot of trouble,” says Jo Brand, the famous British comedian, who teamed up with comedians Nish Kumar, Kiri Pritchard-McLean and Jonathan Pie to “translate” climate scientists Mark Maslin, Fredi Otto, Bill McGuire and Joanna Haigh, respectively.
Based on the premise that human beings don’t react to data, but to stories, images and emotions, the project has four short videos (between three and five minutes) in which the scientists present climate change facts and forecasts (accompanied by graphics and images of extreme phenomena), which are then “translated” by the comedians in an accessible, funny, ironic and blunt way, which also helps to humanize the scientists.
“We are destabilizing our planet’s climate system, which is already leading to an increase in unpredictable weather events. Potentially everyone, everywhere, now faces a direct threat to their way of life,” Mark Maslin’s statement translates to “your house is on fire, but don’t worry, the next flash flood [as chamadas flash floods] must solve it”.
The team’s research shows that humor can be a transformative tool in science communication and have a positive impact on people’s understanding of climate change. The project already has millions of views and has gained widespread attention, with celebrities such as Ellie Goulding, Gary Lineker, Rainn Wilson and Thom Yorke sharing the videos. In this way, the main message can reach a wider audience.
“We have to approach the climate issue from all angles and comedy has an important role to play,” said emeritus professor Bill McGuire of University College London, who took part in the project.
In his video, McGuire advocates direct action to protest against fossil fuels. “Governments will only do the right thing when they see millions of voters on the streets.” Or as comedian Kiri Pritchard-McLean says: “I’d rather do everything, but it’s been scientifically proven that doing everything doesn’t work. So why not make a big fuss – before it’s too late?”
Climate Science Translated aims to get millions of people to take action and put pressure on governments for urgent change, ending with a call for a ban on new investments in fossil fuels.
The videos are available on the website and on Youtube of Climate Science Breakthrough.
She might have chosen to study Meteorology and Oceanography, but ultimately pursued Communication. And that's fine because if they don't get their weather predictions right, she wouldn't be the one to change that. She started by looking for sustainable ideas and projects for the university, and since then, she has never stopped (who stops, really?). She loves to watch tv shows, but she watches few because she is demanding. You don't need much to convince her to embrace new, "greener" habits and challenges.
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