21st December 2023 (9 Topics)
1
Dec
2
Dec
4
Dec
5
Dec
6
Dec
7
Dec
8
Dec
9
Dec
11
Dec
12
Dec
13
Dec
14
Dec
15
Dec
16
Dec
18
Dec
19
Dec
20
Dec
21
Dec
22
Dec
23
Dec
25
Dec
26
Dec
27
Dec
28
Dec
29
Dec
30
Dec
Climate action needs an updated official vocabulary
Context:
There is need to move away from the constraints of collective memory and community knowledge to enable a better official response to future challenges.
Shifting Baselines and Environmental Impact
- Recent Rainfall in South Tamil Nadu: Significant rainfall in south Tamil Nadu reversed the northeast monsoon deficit, impacting areas like Thoothukudi and Tiruchendur.
- Devastation Perception: Perceptions of 'devastation' are affected by shifting baselines, leading to underestimation of losses over time.
- Climate Change and Future Baselines: As climate change impacts emerge, a new kind of shifting baseline extends into the future, influencing language and memorialization.
Challenges in Meaning-Making and Official Language
- Jargon and Definitions: Current meaning-making relies on jargon from reports, creating challenges in communicating climate-related scenarios effectively to the public.
- Imperfect Official Vocabulary: Government translations often lack precision, with definitions not accounting for all factors, contributing to potential shifting baselines.
- Role of Officialese: Localised officialese is crucial for memorialising experiences, building context, and enhancing trust in institutions, but requires regular updates.
Global Implications
- State Accountability and Disaster Response: State responses to disasters, determined by official records like medical certificates, impact understanding of 'devastation' and accountability.
- Global Implications of Officialese: Officialese has global implications, influencing the distribution of funds based on the severity of climate-related disasters, requiring new official terms.
- Need for Clarity in Communication: Developing official words for unprecedented situations, like extreme rainfall, is crucial for effective communication, especially in global contexts.
You must be logged in to get greater insights. click here to login
More Articles
Courses
Study
Notes
Home
Resources
More
