Because we need comedy now more than ever.
Ride the wave of comedians as social justice influencers and current day intellectuals courageously imagining another way forward. In the words of the great US minister and Black Liberation Theologian James H. Cone, “Anger empowers the poor to declare their uncompromising opposition to oppression, and humor prevents them from being consumed by their fury.”
Because comedy can break open the single story
with multiple meanings that widen perspectives and question assumptions.
Because comedy is a powerful tool to combat misinformation
(incorrect or misleading information) and disinformation (deliberately deceptive information) by hilariously exposing corruption and greed, thereby disrobing perpetrators in a reversal of power. It can cut through the chaos and point out exactly who is profiting from the smoke and lies and who pays the price. It exposes fallacious arguments for what they are in real time, taking a free ride on the joke of their own ludicrousness.
Because comedy tells the truth but wraps it in a story.
Climate truths are harsh. They are scary and big and looming. And they are unfair. Those who have access to air conditioning to endure a warming world are the ones contributing to it by the very act of seeking comfort from it. Absurdity abounds. And climate truths are complicated and nuanced. Stories can be comforting. Stories acknowledge that the listener is an emotional and sensitive being with feelings and fears. Stories can uplift and defend those most trod upon by society. They can highlight the absurdity of corrupt systems to inspire desire for a new social order. Comedic stories can make the unjust systems laughable which sucks them of their authority and power—at least in the moment of the laughter.
Because comedy rides right along the edge of what’s acceptable to say
and says out loud what is unspoken (and usually with a surprising twist).
Because we need Climate Comedy for Positive Emotions-
Climate change is strongly associated with negative emotions, such as fear, guilt, and shame. Our research shows that providing a positive association with climate can encourage engagement with the issue that can result in more climate action (Osnes et al., 2019). Doom-and-gloom stories about climate prevail and can dissuade climate action and lead to emotional numbing that can cause people to turn away from the issues surrounding climate and cause apathy rather than action. Without downplaying the seriousness, we need communication modes that mobilize joy and pleasure rather than just doom and gloom.
Because many have got climate anxiety-
Recent studies show creativity is the opposite side of anxiety— Want to turn down your climate anxiety? Increase your climate creativity with climate comedy. See Martha Beck’s recent book Beyond Anxiety: Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life’s Purpose