Why does Environmental Discourse Matter?

Why does environmental discourse matter in politics and policies?

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Here are some reasons as to why environmental discourse analysis matters:

  • Environmental Discourse Analysis demonstrates the importance of language in politics

The way that we speak about the conservation problems matter. Language does not only express what we feel about a particular issue, but it also moulds how we think about a particular issue as well. The interactions (or the lack of) about environmental issues can impact our policies turn out, how they are implemented and if other further action is taken. In short, if there is a lack of care for the environment, then there would be little to no environmentally friendly policies. Our discussions intrinsically create meaning of the concepts discussed. These meanings may be positive, negative or mixed, usually influenced by how a community speaks about the issue at hand. This shows the role of discourse itself on policies and politics.

  • Demonstrates how language is deeply rooted to our communities

However, our practice of language has to go through a certain set of norms, rules and routines that your community has set up for you before substantial outcome of the discussion can occur. This is important as knowing how language is deeply rooted to our communities and that these discourses are related to the community. This shows that the community’s role in discourse.

  • In some way, we learn that not all discourses fit

As we interact with others about the environment, we will soon come to realise that not everybody is on the same page with their perspectives and the definitions of the problem at hand. As a result, a stakeholder that is in power may try to fit a certain type of discourse to fit their own view of how the issue should be handled. This can show us why certain definitions of the issue might not resonate well in some communities and hence also explain why certain policies are being implemented or not.

 

 

 

 

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