The Language of a Clean Energy Economy
February 10th, 2010 | 
Author: So it’s heartening to see G.O.P spinmeister Frank Luntz applying his talents to advancing solutions to global warming instead of trying to stop them. He’s got a gift, so his journey to the light side of the force is most welcome.
That said, Dr. Luntz switching sides is about the only big surprise in The Language of a Clean Energy Economy, which summarizes the his findings on how to use language to advance policy solutions to global warming.
So what words does Dr. Luntz want people like you avoid? Well, “Carbon Neutral” for one. And what words should you use? Well, when you’re talking about the environmental benefits, you should use:
Heard those somewhere before?
What’s interesting here is Luntz’s finding that independence (a.k.a “Freedom“) from Middle Eastern oil is a concept that appeals to all demographic groups, and this is actually a more compelling vision to put in front of citizens than some dire global warming apocalypse.
Click the link below for the full report
Environmental Communication Advice
P.S. This report was funded by the Environmental Defense Fund. Did they change their name back?
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Am I to understand that being something other than a democrat means you are not in the light? Come on Eric, I expect you’re smart enough not to castigate potentially half your audience. We’re all in this together, my friend, and politics is turning into an ugly word. To me these are policy issues and not political.
Oh, let’s be clear on this: I don’t care about Dr. Luntz’s political leanings generally. I vote Republican once in a while. And the name of this blog is a nod in a none-too-subtle nod in his direction.
But prior this particular piece, Dr. Luntz’s most prominent environmental work has been on behalf of interests working to specifically to stall federal climate legislation. He is the architect of the “challenge the science” strategy that has proved to be so effective.
With this latest project, Dr. Luntz is now working to advance federal climate legislation. This is a big switch for Dr. Luntz! And most welcome.