Climate Crisis

“Climate crisis” is a term used by some to describe the state of climate change. While most Americans, including Republicans and Democrats, agree that climate change is a problem (though some don’t believe this), there are many disagreements on whether climate change qualifies as a “crisis.”

Those on the left tend to be more favorable to the term “climate crisis,” arguing that it is an accurate descriptor of the precarious position we are in as a planet. They argue that “climate crisis” conveys the issue’s urgency and the consequences of not addressing it. Often those on the left advocate for addressing it through government policy and global programs. 

The AP stylebook, formulated by the Associated Press, rated Lean Left at he time of this writing, recommends that journalists use the term “climate crisis” in their reporting “when describing the current situation. But use the term sparingly, and provide specifics as much as possible.” 

On the right, some are more likely to view the term as alarmist. They do not use the term “climate crisis”, and several outlets on the right do use the term “climate alarmist”, which is rarely used by left-rated outlets. Those on the right do tend to show concern about the left’s recommended climate policy proposals, arguing that drastic government policy on climate change could overreach and inhibit the freedoms of individuals and businesses and damage the economy in the process. Conservative solutions to climate change favor a slower transition toward green solutions than those on the left, prioritizing maintaining a stable economy over climate change threats. Some conservatives believe in increasing the use of fossil fuels.