Climate Change Communication during COP21 in Paris: The Momentum for Change framed by the Guardian

Abstract: The study of climate change communication has become a vital research field. It has evolved into being an essential translator between the scientific community and the public. The Conference of the Parties (COP) met in December 2015 to discuss the basis of a 54-page document on how the world will proceed with the challenges of climate change in the future. Throughout the conference the media was an important tool in spreading opinions and information about the on-going negotiations. This study analyzes how the COP21 was framed by the British newspaper the Guardian. Therefore, the empirical material consists of online newspaper articles from the period of the conference. A qualitative research approach was used to identify four frames and formulate themes. The findings mirror the central discussion points from the past 20 years of climate change negotiations: mitigation, adaptation, leadership, scientific proof of climate change and the urgency of change. In addition, the study identifies the politics of climate policy.