Unpacking Climate Conversations: Tzeporah Berman Reveals How the Fossil Fuel Industry Maneuvers Public Discourse | Broadview Magazine

Tzeporah Berman has dedicated over 30 years to fighting for the environment. She’s the international program director at Stand.earth and chairs the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative. In 2019, she received the Climate Breakthrough Project Award, which provided $2 million to develop daring strategies against climate change.

She recently spoke with Christopher White from her home in Vancouver about the current state of climate activism.

CHRISTOPHER WHITE: Many people seem resigned about climate change. How can we shift that mindset?

TZEPORAH BERMAN: The first step is talking about it. Recent polls show over 75% of people know climate change is real and are worried, but many feel alone in their concerns. Climate psychologists suggest there’s cognitive dissonance. While people see extreme weather events, politicians often act as if nothing is wrong, leading to a dangerous disconnect in public perception.

Moreover, for decades, the fossil fuel industry has influenced climate discussions, tactically placing the responsibility on consumers rather than addressing supply issues. Historically, when faced with harmful substances, solutions involve cutting both supply and demand, but that hasn’t happened with fossil fuels.

CW: In the recent Canadian federal election, climate change hardly came up. What do we need to do to bring it back into focus?

TB: Each of us can spark conversations about climate. Hosting discussions in your community or online can make a difference. It’s crucial for citizens to speak up so politicians understand there’s urgency. Many leaders seem to hope others will take the lead, but we can’t pass the buck while our planet suffers.

Cognitive biases can make people normalize these alarming changes instead of confronting them head-on. The fossil fuel industry has shaped a narrative that makes imagining a sustainable future feel daunting. But alternatives are available. The sun and wind offer energy without any owner, yet these solutions are often overlooked.

CW: How can we inspire people to envision new possibilities?

TB: Sharing real stories is essential. The media should highlight successful community projects. Across Canada, towns are adopting geothermal systems, electric transport, and solar energy. These positive examples deserve more attention.

CW: What would you advise the government as we tackle the climate crisis?

TB: First, Canadian taxpayer money should focus on effective pollution reduction methods—investing in electric infrastructure and public transport. Second, we need strict laws to hold companies accountable for emissions. Lastly, adapting to climate effects is crucial. This includes better forest management to combat wildfires and establishing cooling centers for heatwaves.

CW: What about the term “decarbonized oil and gas”?

TB: It’s misleading. Burning fossil fuels emits carbon, and technologies like carbon capture aren’t scaling fast enough. We need to return to a safer level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, around 350 ppm. Using carbon capture as an excuse to expand oil projects is a major misconception. Real transitions demand a phasing out of fossil fuels.

Recently, the United Nations Court of Justice ruled on climate liability, marking a significant turning point. It identified fossil fuels as a main emissions source and emphasized that wealthier nations must take responsibility. While these courts can’t directly enforce laws, their rulings can inspire further legal actions globally.

CW: Are there countries Canada can learn from?

TB: Absolutely! China is rapidly advancing electric vehicles and renewables. In Denmark, entire towns are heated with 100% renewable energy, and cycling is more common than driving, promoting healthier lifestyles. Norway boasts that 90% of car sales are electric. These countries show that a sustainable future is possible.

This future will require collaborative efforts, open dialogue, and a shift in public perception around fossil fuels and renewable energy. Let’s start there.

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climate,Environment,Society