Climate change is often portrayed through dramatic images, like sinking islands in the Pacific. But Dr. Olli Hellmann from the University of Waikato feels this view oversimplifies a complex issue. He says that the way we frame climate change shapes our understanding of the crisis.
In his study, Indigenous-Washing and Colonial Amnesia: How New Zealand’s Nation Brand Depoliticises Climate Change, Hellmann explores how New Zealand’s climate imagery can hide important political narratives. Instead of focusing on responsibilities, we see climate change as a cultural or natural story.
In an interview on Pacific Mornings, Hellmann explained that many people in developed countries like New Zealand don’t witness the most severe effects of climate change. This gradual shift makes it easy to overlook its impacts in everyday life.
He pointed out that media often repeat a limited set of images to represent climate change. “When you browse news sites, you keep seeing the same photos,” he noted. These images, like polar bears on melting ice or islands overwhelmed by rising waters, create a narrow narrative focused on loss, avoiding deeper questions of justice and responsibility.
Such representation misleads audiences, framing the vulnerability of Pacific nations as a mere geographic issue rather than examining underlying political and economic responsibilities. Reports from the Climate Crisis Network indicate that while many frontline communities are affected, their contributions to greenhouse gas emissions are minimal.
Hellmann warns that constant exposure to “doomsday” images can lead to psychological fatigue, making the crisis feel overwhelming and distant. “We need to shift focus to stories of resilience, showcasing communities taking action against climate change,” he said. These stories highlight collective efforts that often go unnoticed.
Green MP Francisco Hernandez, attending COP30 in Brazil, echoed these sentiments. He urged a focus on solutions, especially climate finance. “If the world views climate finance as grants without strings attached, it could greatly benefit Pacific nations,” he explained.
Hernandez shared his concerns about skepticism surrounding COP30, emphasizing its role in amplifying Pacific voices. The conference’s agenda includes crucial topics like adaptation, emission cutting, and financial aid for developing countries. The outcomes of COP30 could shape future discussions, especially the global stocktake assessing progress toward meeting climate goals.
As discussions unfold, it’s clear that shifts in narrative and perspective are vital. Highlighting both the challenges and the action-oriented stories from frontline communities can pave the way toward effective solutions.
