The fact that men are less likely to be concerned about climate change isn't exactly surprising, but I think it's something all of us in the climate movement are going to have to figure out how to address. I've made the point to several friends and colleagues that we need more examples of male leadership on climate issues -- not just in business or politics, but in pop culture.
Where are the action heroes driving an EV in a high-stakes chase scene? Or the male athletes refusing to play for a team that accepts fossil fuel money? Or the A-list male celebrity extolling the virtues of a vegan diet?
There are isolated examples if you know where to look, but countering cultural stereotypes is going to take concerted and coordinated action. Maybe we can start by making the next F1 movie about how cool and fast EVs are now. Or turn the Avengers into climate heroes. Or come up with a romcom where the male lead only gets the girl after coming up with a way to save the planet. Audiences are so hungry for this kind of entertainment.
I believe politics has the greatest role in preventing notable sportsmen from commenting on our climate problems. Politics has become such a dividing issue and sports people know they need to get along with each other in order to succeed and make cohesive teams. While I'm not much of a sportsman, my conservative friends and I know better than to get into political arguments although we are quick to give our honest and often divergent opinions on what players and teams are at the tops of their games. Through at least the 1970's, (I was born in 1951), we didn't have such political polarization. My mom and dad were of different political parties and I don't remember any arguments about politics. And the friends they invited into our home gladly offered a variety of political opinions. I don't know where our great political divide started but Donald Trump has sure blown up the issue. Anyway, thanks for all the work you do in regard to improving our climate and our awareness of its problems.
Hey Dan, thank you for this — appreciate your reading and commenting. I'm of two minds...I think you're right that athletes do need to set aside political differences in order to get along and play like a team, and also that people in general are frequently well-served by getting along despite political divides. At the same time, not sure there are many long-term fixes to bridge political divides besides people with existing relationships, but different politics, being willing to actually discuss hard topics and hear each other out. Harder than ever but maybe more important than ever.
I wouldn't be surprised either, although I'd have to guess any explicit guidance has less to do with fossil fuels specifically and more just "stay out of anything political/controversial." Not that I really know for sure.
Best comment I've heard yet about this column/study: Guys, get a clue, climate protests are where you meet girls :)
The fact that men are less likely to be concerned about climate change isn't exactly surprising, but I think it's something all of us in the climate movement are going to have to figure out how to address. I've made the point to several friends and colleagues that we need more examples of male leadership on climate issues -- not just in business or politics, but in pop culture.
Where are the action heroes driving an EV in a high-stakes chase scene? Or the male athletes refusing to play for a team that accepts fossil fuel money? Or the A-list male celebrity extolling the virtues of a vegan diet?
There are isolated examples if you know where to look, but countering cultural stereotypes is going to take concerted and coordinated action. Maybe we can start by making the next F1 movie about how cool and fast EVs are now. Or turn the Avengers into climate heroes. Or come up with a romcom where the male lead only gets the girl after coming up with a way to save the planet. Audiences are so hungry for this kind of entertainment.
Couldn't agree with all of this more! 110%!
I believe politics has the greatest role in preventing notable sportsmen from commenting on our climate problems. Politics has become such a dividing issue and sports people know they need to get along with each other in order to succeed and make cohesive teams. While I'm not much of a sportsman, my conservative friends and I know better than to get into political arguments although we are quick to give our honest and often divergent opinions on what players and teams are at the tops of their games. Through at least the 1970's, (I was born in 1951), we didn't have such political polarization. My mom and dad were of different political parties and I don't remember any arguments about politics. And the friends they invited into our home gladly offered a variety of political opinions. I don't know where our great political divide started but Donald Trump has sure blown up the issue. Anyway, thanks for all the work you do in regard to improving our climate and our awareness of its problems.
Hey Dan, thank you for this — appreciate your reading and commenting. I'm of two minds...I think you're right that athletes do need to set aside political differences in order to get along and play like a team, and also that people in general are frequently well-served by getting along despite political divides. At the same time, not sure there are many long-term fixes to bridge political divides besides people with existing relationships, but different politics, being willing to actually discuss hard topics and hear each other out. Harder than ever but maybe more important than ever.
I wouldn't be surprised if players are politely told not to speak on issues that could anger the fossil fuel companies that agressively sponsor them.
I wouldn't be surprised either, although I'd have to guess any explicit guidance has less to do with fossil fuels specifically and more just "stay out of anything political/controversial." Not that I really know for sure.