COVID and Climate: Similarities and differences

Abstract

The cases of COVID-19 and climate change highlight the central role of scientific research which supposedly guides political decision-making. Models and scenarios assume a central role. However, science cannot tell us what to do. While it provides important facts and metrics, uncertainties remain and decisions are based on considerations pertaining to fundamental values. Apart from these similarities, my aim is to emphasize some significant differences.They relate to policy goals, international cooperation, data and metrics, values, and the time horizons involved.

“You Can Do Better Than That!”: Tweeting Scientists Addressing Politics on Climate Change and Covid-19

“…In contrast to measures on the long-term problem of climate change, responses to the Covid-19 pandemic tended to be short-term; the two issues thus vary enormously in terms of temporality (Grundmann, 2021). However, initial content analyses have revealed a high degree of politicisation in news media coverage of Covid-19, which is similar to that of climate change (Hart et al, 2020).…”

“…For decades, scientists have "sounded the alarm about global warming" (Weingart et al, 2000, p. 261). Although political actors have known of the threat for a long time, only gradual efforts have been made, and political actions have often been postponed (Grundmann, 2021). These measures, which are perceived as insufficient for coping with climate change, have created frustration among climate scientists (Pidgeon & Fischhoff, 2011).…”

Flames and Viruses: Australian and Hungarian Media Representation of the Australian Bushfires and the COVID-19 Pandemic, A Case Study

“…At the end of 2019, news and social media were overwhelmed with news of the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) [9]. Interestingly, many parallels and differences have emerged between the climate change emergency and the pandemic [10][11][12]. Although media coverage of climate change has a history of half a century, politicians still focus on short-term economic growth, and people in developed countries are continuing their lifestyles as usual.…”