A Tale of Parallel Narratives

Randall, R. (2009). Loss and climate change: The cost of parallel narratives. Ecopsychology, 1(3), 118-129. doi: 10.1089/eco.2009.0034


The psychotherapist (and nice writer) Rosemary Randall argues in this paper that the current public discourse about climate change splits into two parallel narratives: the first, monstrous and terrifying, focuses on losses lurking in the distant future; the second, bland and banal, speaks of a current-day transition devoid of loss or sacrifice. In the face of this conflicting juxtaposition, the public is inclined to ignore, deny or abdicate responsibility for climate problems, disregarding a need to work on solutions

But in a more personal context, I see how this split plays out in my own life. I live in the monstrous future, while those around me dally in the banal present-day, confident that, having taken out the recycling, they are good with the gods. I'm desperate, fearful, angry and feeling doubly helpless because even those in my immediate family are failing to take the issue seriously enough. They, on the other hand, are at peace living in the present, satisfied to tailor their actions to cultural norms.

They also are disinclined to join a funereal procession of mourners, gnashing their teeth and renting their clothes. If the solution is beyond their capacity (and, truly, it is), they see no particular reason to take on the world's suffering prematurely.

It's annoying to note that their position has merit or, at the very least, a logical coherence. I still believe them to be wrong, ultimately, but Randall (and others!) would be correct in recommending that I bring a little more compassion and a little less judgment. There may yet be a middle ground where we can meet, hug, and move forward,