Satire, Humor, and Environmental Crises

Satire, humor, and environmental crises explores how these tools can be used to address and mitigate ecological crises at individual and collective levels. It examines popular culture to illustrate the relationship between humor and the environment and discusses the instruments and methodological subtleties involved in measuring the impacts of humor and satire in environmental advocacy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Satire, humor, and environmental crises delve into the effective utilization of satire and humor to address and mitigate ecological crises at individual and collective levels. While scientific and technological efforts are crucial, solutions to ecological challenges necessitate social and communicative reform to persuade citizens, corporations, organizations, and policymakers to adopt more sustainable lifestyles and policies. This monograph reassesses environmental behavior and messaging, exploring the potential of humorous and satiric communication in driving positive change. Drawing upon a robust and interdisciplinary theoretical foundation, it elucidates the individual, social, and ecospheric determinants of behavior. Through an examination of creative works of popular culture across various modes of expression, including The Simpsons, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, and The New Yorker cartoons, the book highlights the profound yet often underappreciated relationship between humor and the environment. This is followed by a discussion of the instruments and methodological nuances involved in measuring the impacts of humor and satire in environmental advocacy, with a view to conducting empirical research. More broadly, the book aims to engage in urgent cultural and political discussions about how we can evaluate, intervene in, and address the diverse range of environmental crises. It seeks to engage a broad range of internal and external partners and stakeholders, and develop models for positive social and environmental transformations.

This book will appeal to students and scholars interested in environmental humanities, communication science, psychology, and critical humor studies. It can also provide valuable insights and resources to environmental activists, policymakers, NGOs, and campaign organizers. By leveraging the power of satire and humor, we can inspire individuals and communities to take action and create a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet.

Weight: 620g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367517687