Abstract
The politicization of climate change has transformed the robust scientific consensus of climate science into a site of ideological conflict, undermining both evidence-based climate policy and public trust in science. This paper applies the Stakes–Visibility–Contestability (SVC) framework to analyze how and why climate change became one of the most politically charged scientific issues of the 21st century. High stakes—in terms of economic, environmental, and social consequences—combined with high visibility through media coverage and lived experiences of extreme weather, have amplified efforts to manufacture contestability by actors seeking to protect vested interests or promote competing worldviews. Using the SVC framework, this paper demonstrates how the dynamics of politicization differ across regions and policy arenas, and how scientists and communicators can strategically respond. Recommendations emphasize early identification of emerging politicization, improved framing of scientific uncertainty, and institutional mechanisms that enhance transparency and maintain trust. By situating climate change within the broader theory of politicized science, this work offers a roadmap for mitigating future polarization around climate and environmental issues central to global sustainability and governance.
Presenters
Jennifer Da RosaProgram Director, Assistant Professor, Environmental Sustainability & Management, Goucher College, Maryland, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Technical, Political, and Social Responses
KEYWORDS
Climate change, Politicization of science, Climate communication, Climate policy
