The Climate Action Tracker (CAT), a non-profit organization, has developed a "Bechdel Test" to assess the coverage of climate change in the media. The test is based on the well-known Bechdel Test, which is used to evaluate gender representation in films.
The Bechdel Test for climate change consists of three questions:
Does the article include at least two sources that are not men?
Do these sources discuss climate change as a systemic problem, rather than an individual problem?
Do these sources offer solutions to climate change that are based on systemic change?
CAT tested 100 climate articles from 10 leading English-language news organizations. Only 12% of the articles passed the test.
The results of the test showed that:
Women and other underrepresented groups are rarely quoted in climate articles.
The media often focuses on individual actions, rather than systemic change.
Solutions based on systemic change are rarely offered in climate articles.
CAT is calling for fairer and more systemic coverage of climate change in the media.
The Bechdel Test is a tool that can help to:
Raise awareness of gender inequality and injustice in climate change coverage.
Encourage the media to provide fairer and more systemic coverage of the issue.
Support initiatives that give voice to underrepresented groups.
Promote the development and implementation of systemic solutions.
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While the Bechdel Test might not be flawless, it offers a valuable starting point for achieving more balanced and truthful reporting on climate change. By applying this test, the global society can encourage media outlets to present a more complete picture of this crucial issue.
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Additional Information:
The Bechdel Test was created by Alison Bechdel, a cartoonist and graphic novelist.
The test was first published in 1985 in Bechdel's comic strip "Dykes to Watch Out For."
The test has since been used to evaluate gender representation in a wide range of media, including films, television shows, and news articles.
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More information: https://climateactiontracker.org/
Youtube credits: @TED