Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book. The book explores the relationship among journalism, democracy as its traditional touchstone in the West and the emergent climate crisis. It reviews the 'information deficit' approach to communication, and discusses key barriers preventing deeper public engagement with climate change. The book overviews the media strategies of environmental groups in recent history, particularly the movement's successful use of 'media stunts'. It focuses on the divergent responses of participants to frames of political conflict and polarization which often dominate media coverage and public discourse in the province. The book also focuses on independent and alternative media reporting of a significant moment in climate change policy and action – the U. N. Conference of Parties Paris talks in 2015. It presents new empirical data, and considers the impact of ongoing changes in the news media landscape on the ability of media adequately to report the 'big issues' of our time.