Climate Crossroads | Social Capital Project and Topos Partnership

The Climate Crossroads booklet is described as: "A Research-Based Framing Guide For Global Warming Advocates, From Global Warming Advocates" (pdf). It is researched/written by the Social Capital Project and the Topos Partnership.

One part that caught my eye was the Climate Crossroads list of "first principles." What are the principles for those who seek to communicate with others about climate change?

Wisdom/Survival
We are wise enough to recognize that we can’t afford to ruin the natural “life support” systems our survival depends on.

Can Do / Greatness/ When the going gets tough …
We know that America can solve hard problems and deal with mighty challenges. If we can deal with the challenges of sending an American to the moon, we can deal with the challenges of global warming. Now is the time for bold action.

Progress
Throughout American history, progress has been the norm. We have never been satisfied with accepting things as they are. Green energy is the future, and now is the time for Americans to devote themselves to bringing it about.

Vision/Leadership
The United States has been a global leader in technological development, in scientific discovery and in curing disease. Now we have the chance to take the lead in addressing one of the most important challenges of our time. And that leadership will start at home.

Long term vs. short term
Do we want to make decisions based on what’s easiest this year, or based on what’s best for our country over the coming years, and as our children grow older?

Seizing opportunity
We can either see the challenges we face as an opportunity to create a new and better future, or we can limp along patching together temporary fixes that leave the world in worse shape for our children.

Stewardship
Americans want to leave their children and grandchildren a world that is as healthy and sound as the one they inherited.

Responsibility/Practicality
It would be irresponsible and foolhardy to let serious problems get worse – to leave them for others to address later, when we are fully aware of them now and know what to do about them.

Thoughts on these? Any others come to mind?

[Update: By the way, interesting to compare this list to Matthew Nisbet's survey of climate change frames. Oh, and hat tip to: Martin T.]

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