Transmitting the transition in a moment of climate crisis: an analysis of intermediaries’ communication practices

Abstract

Distinct rhetoric and approaches are used to communicate the facts and possibilities of the climate crisis and energy transitions. To better understand climate and energy-related communication practices and objectives at the national level, this research applies grounded theory analysis to transcripts of semi-structured interviews with intermediaries in Spain. The intermediaries interviewed include researchers, engineers, professionals with energy-related roles in government, and coordinators of electricity cooperatives. Our analysis produced two overarching results: (1) communication is seen as a means to raise awareness, change behavior, and engage the public, and each of these means is seen as a method to empower citizens; (2) the language of systemic change is used broadly to refer to changing political, economic, or technological systems; however, some systemic changes seem incomplete or incompatible with other systems. Further research is required to test these hypotheses and show how distinct communication approaches might be reconciled in energy transition policy and initiatives.

Distinct rhetoric and approaches are used to communicate the facts and possibilities of the climate crisis and energy transitions. To better understand climate and energy-related communication practices and objectives at the national level, this research applies grounded theory analysis to transcripts of semi-structured interviews with intermediaries in Spain. The intermediaries interviewed include researchers, engineers, professionals with energy-related roles in government, and coordinators of electricity cooperatives. Our analysis produced two overarching results: (1) communication is seen as a means to raise awareness, change behavior, and engage the public, and each of these means is seen as a method to empower citizens; (2) the language of systemic change is used broadly to refer to changing political, economic, or technological systems; however, some systemic changes seem incomplete or incompatible with other systems. Further research is required to test these hypotheses and show how distinct communication approaches might be reconciled in energy transition policy and initiatives.