A Controversial Play — and What It Taught Me About the Psychology of Climate | David Finnigan | TED

Summary

David, a playwright from southeast Australia, penned 'Kill Climate Deniers,' a provocative play about eco-terrorists holding the government hostage to demand climate change action. Initially facing backlash and cancellation, the play's transformative journey into an album and walking tour eventually led to successful stage productions worldwide. David engaged with climate deniers, realizing that while their science denial is misguided, they grasp the profound changes climate change will bring. He challenges the audience to confront the reality and act, not just acknowledge, the impending transformation of our world due to climate change.

Takeaways

• 🎭 David, a playwright from Ngunnawal country in Australia, wrote a provocative play titled 'Kill Climate Deniers' to spark a conversation about the intersection of climate change and politics.
• 🌐 The play's plot revolves around eco-terrorists who take over Australia's Parliament House during a concert, demanding immediate action on climate change.
• 🔥 The provocative title was not meant to target real individuals but to critique the industry funded by oil and gas companies that sowed doubt about climate science.
• 🚫 Initial reactions included calls to shut down the play and accusations of inciting terrorism, leading to the cancellation of the first production due to safety concerns.
• 🎵 Unable to stage the play, David and musician Reuben Engel adapted it into an album, taking the narrative to nightclubs and unconventional venues.
• 🚶 An unauthorized walking tour of Parliament House was launched, allowing people to experience the play's narrative in the actual setting, enhancing engagement with the audience.
• 🌏 Despite initial setbacks, the play eventually made it to the stage in 2018 and was performed in various cities worldwide, indicating growing acceptance and interest.
• 💬 David engaged with real climate deniers, discovering that their opposition stemmed from a fear of the lifestyle changes and societal disruptions that acknowledging climate change would entail.
• 🌱 The play and its reception underscored the gap between accepting the science of climate change and internalizing its profound implications for our daily lives and future.
• 🌟 David concludes by suggesting that we should learn from climate deniers' awareness of the consequences, and live in accordance with our beliefs about climate change to prepare for the inevitable changes.

Q & A

Who is David and where is he from?

David is a playwright from Ngunnawal country, which is the unceded lands of the Ngunnawal people in southeast Australia.

What is the title of David's play and what is its main theme?

The title of David's play is 'Kill Climate Deniers.' The play's main theme is to start a conversation about the intersection of climate change and politics, specifically what happens when the urgent issue of climate change meets the challenges of political inaction.

What was the initial reaction to the play 'Kill Climate Deniers'?

The initial reaction to the play was outrage, particularly from conservative politicians and right-wing media outlets like the Murdoch press, Breitbart, and Infowars. Some accused the play of being an 'incitement to terrorism.'

Why was the first production of the play cancelled?

The first production was cancelled due to safety concerns for the actors, as the theater company did not have the resources for lawyers or a crisis communications team to handle the backlash and potential legal issues.

How did David adapt the play into an album?

David's musician friend Reuben Engel turned the play into an album by sampling dialogue from the play and incorporating it into original electronic music tracks.

What was the unique way the play was experienced by audiences when it was not performed in theaters?

Audiences experienced the play through an unauthorized covert walking tour of Parliament House, where they downloaded a special version of the album and listened to the music and story while walking around the real-life setting of Australia's halls of power.

When and where was the play finally performed on stage after its initial cancellation?

The play was finally performed on stage in 2018 at the Griffin Theatre in Sydney, followed by productions in Prague, London, Los Angeles, and other locations.

What unexpected group of people started reaching out to David after the play gained more attention?

After the play gained more attention, David started hearing from real climate deniers, who are regular, normal people, not just fossil-fuel pundits or right-wing journalists.

What misconceptions about climate change did some deniers express to David?

Some deniers expressed that climate change is a made-up excuse for top-down intervention, aiming to stifle freedoms, control diets, choke rural communities, and promote massive global migration.

How does David feel about the actions of people who accept the science of climate change but do not act on it?

David feels that while many people accept the science of climate change, they often do not process the consequences and act as if it's not real, which he refers to as being 'soft deniers' or 'stealth deniers.'

What lesson does David think can be learned from climate deniers?

David believes that climate deniers understand the consequences of the science and live what they believe, which is something he thinks people who accept climate change should learn from, as they often do not live in accordance with their beliefs.

Outlines

00:00

🌿 'Kill Climate Deniers': Provocative Play Sparks Conversation

David, a playwright from Ngunnawal country in southeast Australia, introduces his play 'Kill Climate Deniers,' which he wrote in 2014. The play is a satirical take on climate change, following a group of eco-terrorists who take over Australia's Parliament House during a Fleetwood Mac concert, demanding an immediate end to climate change. David clarifies that the play is not a call for violence against real individuals but a commentary on the intersection of climate change and politics. The provocative title was intended to incite discussion, and while he expected backlash from climate deniers, he was surprised by the public's reaction. The play's initial production was canceled due to safety concerns and accusations of inciting terrorism from right-wing media and politicians. Undeterred, David adapted the play into an album, which was toured around Australia, and eventually, the play was staged in 2018, followed by international productions. The narrative also touches on the history of climate denial, tracing it back to the strategies of oil and gas companies in the mid-20th century to cast doubt on climate science.

05:02

🌤️ Engaging with Climate Deniers: A Personal Journey

In the second part of his narrative, David shares his unexpected encounters with climate deniers from various walks of life. Initially puzzled by their passion and commitment to debunk climate science, he delves into the reasons behind their stance. David discovers that climate denial resonates with certain individuals beyond the initial corporate-driven movement. Through interactions with hundreds of deniers, he uncovers their worldview, which sees climate change as a pretext for top-down control and a threat to individual freedoms. While he disagrees with their dismissal of climate science, he acknowledges the validity of their concerns about the societal implications of climate change. David reflects on the disconnect between the general public's acceptance of climate science and their actions, which often do not align with the reality of climate change. He challenges the audience to consider their own 'soft denial' and to live in accordance with their beliefs about climate change. He concludes by suggesting that there is much to learn from the conviction of climate deniers and calls for a more honest and proactive engagement with the realities of climate change.

Keywords

💡Climate Deniers

Climate deniers are individuals who reject the scientific consensus on climate change, often due to misinformation or vested interests. In the script, the playwright uses the provocative title 'Kill Climate Deniers' to spark a conversation about the urgency of climate change. The term is central to the narrative as it reflects the tension between those who acknowledge the reality of climate change and those who deny it, despite overwhelming scientific evidence.

💡Eco-terrorists

Eco-terrorists, as depicted in the play, are a group of individuals who take extreme measures, such as taking over a government building, to force immediate action on climate change. This concept is used metaphorically to illustrate the desperation some feel about the lack of political action on climate change, and it serves as a plot device to explore the extreme consequences of inaction.

💡Climate Science

Climate science refers to the study of the Earth's climate, including the processes that cause changes in climate over time. In the script, the playwright highlights the importance of climate science by contrasting it with the actions of climate deniers. The play's premise is built on the acceptance of climate science as a basis for urgent action, emphasizing the need for society to act on the scientific consensus.

💡Provocative Title

The term 'provocative title' refers to a deliberately controversial or shocking title designed to draw attention and incite discussion. The playwright's choice of 'Kill Climate Deniers' as a title is a strategic move to provoke thought and debate about the inaction on climate change. It is used to challenge the audience's perceptions and to underscore the severity of the issue.

💡Astroturfing

Astroturfing is the practice of creating the appearance of a grassroots movement when it is actually orchestrated by a corporation or other entity with a vested interest. In the script, the playwright mentions that fossil fuel companies used astroturfing to create a climate denial movement, which is a key concept in understanding the manipulation of public opinion on climate change.

💡Consequences of Climate Change

The consequences of climate change refer to the various impacts that result from the changing climate, such as extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and shifts in ecosystems. The playwright discusses these consequences to highlight the reality that climate change is not just a scientific issue but has profound effects on society and the environment. The script uses the term to challenge the audience to consider the real-world implications of inaction.

💡Climate Activism

Climate activism involves taking action to mitigate or adapt to climate change, often through advocacy, protest, or policy change. The script touches on climate activism as a response to the urgency of the climate crisis, with the playwright's play serving as a form of activism itself by raising awareness and prompting dialogue.

💡Theater as a Platform

Theater is used as a platform in the script to communicate complex social and political issues to a wider audience. The playwright's decision to turn the play into an album and a walking tour when faced with censorship demonstrates the power of theater not just as a form of entertainment but as a tool for social commentary and change.

💡Censorship

Censorship refers to the suppression or prohibition of any parts of books, films, news, etc. that are considered obscene, politically unacceptable, or a threat to security. In the script, the playwright discusses how the play faced potential censorship, which led to its initial cancellation, illustrating the challenges faced by artists when their work tackles controversial subjects.

💡Climate Future

The term 'climate future' encompasses the various possible scenarios that could result from climate change and the actions taken to address it. The playwright uses this concept to emphasize that the future will be different from the past, regardless of one's beliefs about climate change, and that it is essential to plan and act accordingly.

💡Denial

Denial, in the context of the script, refers to the psychological state of refusing to accept reality or truth, particularly in relation to climate change. The playwright reflects on the concept of denial, suggesting that even those who accept the science of climate change may be in denial about the extent of the changes required to address it, thus highlighting the gap between knowledge and action.

Highlights

David is a playwright from Ngunnawal country in southeast Australia.

He wrote a play in 2014 called 'Kill Climate Deniers' to provoke conversation about climate change and politics.

The play's plot involves eco-terrorists taking over Australia's Parliament House to demand an end to climate change.

Despite the title's provocative nature, David did not target real individuals with the play.

David discusses the origins of climate denial, linked to oil and gas companies' efforts to cast doubt on climate science.

The play initially received backlash from conservative politicians and right-wing media, leading to its cancellation.

David's friend Reuben Engel turned the play into an album, allowing the narrative to reach audiences through music and walking tours.

The play was eventually staged in 2018, followed by international productions.

David began receiving feedback from real climate deniers, not just pundits or journalists.

Climate deniers expressed their belief that climate change is a pretext for controlling people's lives.

David acknowledges that while climate deniers are wrong about the science, they correctly identify some consequences of climate change.

He points out that many people who accept the science of climate change still live as if it's not real.

David suggests that climate deniers may understand the implications of climate science better than those who accept it but don't act on it.

He calls for a change in behavior to match the understanding and acceptance of climate change science.

David concludes by urging the audience to live in accordance with their beliefs about climate change.

Transcripts

Hi, I’m David.

I'm a playwright from Ngunnawal country,

the unceded lands of the Ngunnawal people

in southeast Australia.

I come from a family of climate scientists,

and in 2014 I wrote a play entitled "Kill Climate Deniers."

(Laughter)

The play follows the story of a group of eco-terrorists

who take over Australia's Parliament House

during a Fleetwood Mac concert

and hold the entire government hostage,

demanding an instant end to climate change.

So the story is ridiculous,

but I wanted the play to start a conversation

about what happens when the unstoppable force of climate change

meets the immovable object of politics.

OK so obviously the title “Kill Climate Deniers” is provocative.

But just to be clear, when I wrote it, I wasn't targeting anyone real.

Now thanks to the work of journalists and scientists like Naomi Oreskes,

we know how climate denial began.

Oil and gas companies recognized the issue of greenhouse gas emissions

back in the 1950s and '60s.

They set out to cast doubt on the science.

They funded lobby groups, marketing firms, politicians.

They astroturfed an entire climate denial movement into being.

So now there's this industry of pundits and journalists

who make a living denying the reality of climate change.

When I made the statement "Kill Climate Deniers,"

I expected outrage from these people.

But I did not expect pushback from the general public.

I figured there are no real climate deniers.

If there are regular, normal people who don't believe in climate science,

they can't be that passionate.

So I was very wrong.

(Laughter)

Now to begin with, the play received exactly the attention I expected

from exactly the people I expected.

When the first production was announced in 2014,

a conservative politician in my hometown of Canberra

called for the play to be shut down.

There were angry articles in the Murdoch press

Breitbart, Infowars,

all the usual suspects in the right-wing media machine.

Some of these pundits accused the play of being an "incitement to terrorism,"

and they referred me to the police.

Their argument was that people would see the show

and be inspired to take an entire government hostage

to end climate change.

Now the theater company didn’t have money for lawyers

or a crisis communications team,

so out of concern for the actors' safety, the production was cancelled.

But I didn't like backing down.

It didn't feel good.

I felt as if giving up on the project

was like agreeing with the people attacking it.

And I did not agree with them.

The play was not an incitement to terrorism.

But no theater company was willing to take the risk

of being referred to the police.

I couldn't get it up as a show.

So instead, my musician friend Reuben Engel turned it into an album.

Reuben sampled dialogue from the play

and wove it into a series of original electronic tracks.

We toured that record around Australia.

We couldn't get into theaters,

so we went to nightclubs, we held dance parties.

Then we launched an unauthorized covert walking tour of Parliament House.

People downloaded a special version of the album on headphones

and listened to the music and the story

while walking around the real-life setting of Australia's halls of power.

Like so.

(Applause)

(Music)

(Music ends)

Now all of this helped to build up an audience for the project.

But even more importantly, there were no real-life copycats.

Not one government building was taken hostage by eco-terrorists

during a Fleetwood Mac concert.

So four years after the original production was canceled,

the play finally made it to the stage in 2018

at the Griffin Theatre in Sydney,

followed by productions in Prague, London, Los Angeles and so on.

Obviously I was very happy.

And in one version of the story,

that's where it ends.

This project just joins a long list of things

right-wing commentators have found to be outraged about,

alongside Elvis, smartphones,

twerking, Miley Cyrus, Fortnite,

the Beat Generation, skateboarding,

Woodstock, Woodstock '99,

sugary cereal, TikTok,

gay marriage, NWA, feminism,

the Twist, Dungeons and Dragons,

LiveJournal, shopping malls and women reading novels.

(Laughter)

But as the play made its way into the world,

something else started happening.

I started hearing from climate deniers.

And not fossil-fuel pundits

or right-wing journalists,

real climate deniers.

Regular, normal people.

And I couldn't get my head around it.

Like, why did they care so much?

Like, if you're an ExxonMobil executive,

then you have a financial incentive to downplay climate science.

But if you're a high school teacher in Queensland

or a massage therapist in Massachusetts,

why would you spend your nights and weekends

desperately trying to debunk Earth science research?

Now it turns out that although climate denial began

as an astroturfed movement created by fossil fuel companies,

it caught on because it connects with a certain group of people

in a very real way.

I got emails, I got physical letters, I got phone calls.

They started showing up to performances of the play.

And as the show got bigger and bigger,

there were more and more of them, and they were passionate.

I wanted this play to start a conversation, and it did.

It just was not the conversation I thought I was starting.

I ended up speaking with hundreds of climate deniers

over the course of this project.

Now some of them wanted to insult me and threaten me.

Some of them wanted to tell me variations on the same gag,

like, "What if I wrote a play called 'Kill Climate Scientists?'"

But some of them were interesting.

These deniers wanted to explain to me why climate science was wrong.

They had a whole worldview.

They said, "The reality is, David,

that climate change is a made up excuse

for a huge program of top-down intervention.

What climate activists really want is to stifle our freedoms.

They want to control what we eat,

they want to choke the life out of rural communities,

and they want to throw the doors open to massive global migration."

Now I wanted to respond to these people and say,

"I'm sorry, you're wrong.

That's not what it's about."

But the more I talked with them, the more I realized...

They're right.

They are completely correct.

I mean, they're not correct about climate change being a made up excuse.

That, sadly, is not true.

But the consequences of climate change?

Yes, diets are going to change.

Yes, a lot of communities in exposed locations will be forced to leave.

Yes, there will be huge movements of people

within and between countries, they're right.

And we don't even realize how right they are.

I believe in the science of climate change,

and so do probably most of the people in this room.

But more often than not,

we go about our lives as if it's not real.

We plan our careers, we build houses,

we educate our children as if the future will look like the past.

But the world we're educating them for no longer exists.

At one degree warming,

we are already on a planet unlike anywhere humans have ever lived in the past,

and our systems are starting to buckle under the strain.

Now whether you believe that we are sleepwalking into disaster

or if you think we're going to turn things around through high-tech solutions

or massive social movements,

whatever climate future you believe in,

our lives are going to radically change.

Our future will not look like our past.

We accept the science,

but we haven't processed the consequences.

We don't explicitly deny climate change,

but in our actions, we're like soft deniers,

stealth deniers.

I'm one of these people.

Maybe you are too.

I keep my carbon footprint as low as possible.

But then I got on a plane to give this talk.

I read research reports about which cities will be vulnerable in future decades

to climate shocks, resource shocks.

And then I forget all that and think,

I just want to buy a flat in my hometown.

If you believe something but you act like you don't believe it,

do you really believe it?

Now climate deniers understand the consequences of the science,

so they don't accept the science.

They know what it means if it's true, so they won't allow it to be true.

I think we can learn from climate deniers.

I want to be more like that high school teacher in Queensland,

that massage therapist in Massachusetts,

because they live what they believe.

You and I, we think we know better.

We are the ones in denial.

And I know deep down that the longer we deny reality,

the harder the shock when it hits.

Thank you.

(Applause)