13 - A role for dialogue in communication about climate change

Summary

Introduction

While many controversies are resolved through analysis, argument, compromise, and resolution, some become defined instead by opposing views that cluster around seemingly irreconcilable poles. This is the case, for example, in debates currently taking place in many communities around the dilemma of climate change and proposed responses. Under these conditions, approaches that work successfully in other contexts often become perversely counterproductive. Argument degenerates into diatribe, discussions deteriorate into shouting matches. Compromise becomes seen as surrender and a widely acceptable solution becomes hard to imagine (Becker et al., 1995).

Given the challenges current conversations about climate change present, how do we begin a new and different conversation, or re-engage without rancor? A communication technique appropriately enough called dialogue offers one approach. Although dialogue is not conflict resolution, neither is it “just talk.” It invites a conversation rooted in participants' personal experience. It can help to ease strained relationships and establish new ones. The new connections can themselves lead to new ways of understanding contentious issues like climate change and to discussing and developing possible solutions.

Dialogue is a genuinely creative and generative act. Successful dialogue is sometimes simply a willingness to meet again to continue talking, but once people begin to speak honestly about their concerns, and about their own uncertainties with regard to their deeply held positions, ideas for next steps emerge that could not have been imagined before the dialogue. Success can also be a decision to take an action that was previously not imagined or thought possible.