As extreme heatwaves and widespread wildfires continue to break records, the impact of climate change on various species, including humans, becomes undeniable. While many anticipated that such severe weather would transform public opinion and U.S. government policies, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, opposition remains strong. The previous administration, along with millions of Americans, resisted change.
Despite the damage caused by recent weather extremes, these events offer opportunities to educate and promote strategic messages rooted in shared moral principles. Drawing on these principles can engage climate change skeptics effectively. Evidence shows that changing opinions on climate change is feasible. However, research insights have yet to significantly inform strategies. Data suggests that debunking misinformation with facts rarely shifts opinions. Conversely, targeted messages tailored for specific audiences, reframing issues appealingly, can sway opinions.
Messages aimed at conservative audiences can emphasize aspects related to national security, moral purity, and religious beliefs in caring for the Earth. Climate change deniers often argue for their right to burn fossil fuels unrestrainedly. Reframing messages might stress the advantages of alternative energies for enhancing energy security and upholding family values that ensure future generations’ well-being. It can further highlight the sanctity and purity of nature as part of a divine creation.
Moreover, communication strategies can include emotional appeals, instilling sadness and guilt about climate impact, and hope for solutions. It can present positive examples and moral arguments where short-term benefits of burning fossil fuels are outweighed by long-term detriments to people and ecosystems. This includes emphasizing the rights of current and future generations to healthy lives and the justice principle, considering climate change’s disproportionate burden on economically disadvantaged individuals and nations.
Messaging for evangelical Christians, who often oppose climate change initiatives, should focus on narratives they resonate with. This group questions the reality and human contribution to climate change. While many evangelicals believe in humanity’s dominion over Earth, a significant majority also see a duty to protect it. Biblical narratives like Joseph’s preparation for famine and Noah’s Ark can provide valuable lessons on stewardship and preparedness for climate challenges. These stories should extend beyond mere storytelling to highlight their moral implications.
To transform attitudes and influence climate policy, educators, religious leaders, and policymakers should adopt these communication methods. Individuals can also engage climate-change-resistant persons using recent research findings. Increasing education from K-12 to higher education can foster understanding of moral conflicts using systematic approaches. This involves evaluating moral arguments based on shared principles. The bioethics field presents a framework guiding this process, prioritizing benefits to society, reducing risks, and preserving stakeholder rights.
A comprehensive approach involves considering all relevant facts, not just those supporting personal views, and acknowledging all stakeholders, including dissenters and vulnerable populations. Though research on shifting public attitudes has started, further studies are crucial. Social scientists, including graduate students, should be encouraged to focus on these important topics. Extreme climate events should inspire creative solutions and innovative communication strategies. Without these, extreme political polarization and weather challenges will only intensify.
Robert Klitzman, M.D. is a professor of Psychiatry at the Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons in the Joseph Mailman School of Public Health and director of the Online and In-person Masters of Bioethics Programs at Columbia University and the author of ‘Doctor, Will You Pray for Me?: Medicine, Chaplains and Healing the Whole Person.’
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Leave a Reply