The prevalence & paradox of fossil fuel-centric language in climate discourse

Something I've started to notice more & more is the prevalence of fossil fuel-related metaphors.

Think of some distinctly Irish examples, e.g sucking diesel, cooking with gas, the Big Schmoke...

But what I find most interesting is when they're used in discussing topics relating to climate action and nature restoration. 

We're so embedded in the current hydrocarbon-driven system that we end up using its language to describe the very thing that's proposed to counter or replace it. 

I find the result fascinating & funny- an oxymoronic linguistic feature where the metaphor effectively describes the opposite of itself, an apparent contradiction in terms. 

So here are seven examples I've come across- either from talks, webinars, articles or even national climate action plans- that I think best embodies this phenomenon. 

Metaphors forged in the crucible

CONCRETE
Metaphorical meaning
Solid, durable, dependable, resilient, long-lasting
Context
Synonymous with modernity, concrete is intense, like next-level carbon intense. 
If concrete were a country, it’s estimated to be the third largest emitter of greenhouse gases on Earth, behind only China and the United States
Paradoxical example found
‘Start the decarbonization pathway with concrete activities’

CEMENT
Metaphorical meaning
To solidify, harden, guarantee something
Context
Described as the most utilised material on Earth, it is the primary binder used to make concrete- at a phenomenal rate of 150 tonnes a second. In tandem with concrete, as a force of urbanisation, its use is a key driver of nature loss
Paradoxical example found
‘I am drawn to literature that cements humans as a part of nature’

AT THE COALFACE
Metaphorical meaning
To be at the heart of something, in the thick of it
Context
Coal power plants produce 20% of global GHGs – more than any other single source. The process of coal mining itself can have severe negative impacts on nature & landscapes- from mountaintop blasting to contamination of water bodies
Paradoxical example found
 'At the coalface of ESG-related work’

FOOT ON THE GAS
Metaphorical meaning
To be increasing the pace & intensity of an activity
Context
Although viewed as a better alternative to coal, gas is still a significant contributor to global GHGs, representing 22% of emissions from fuel combustion. Also a huge issue of unquantified volumes of methane leaking from supply chains
Paradoxical example found
‘Putting our foot on the gas for the energy transition’

TO BEEF UP
Metaphorical meaning
To strengthen, to bolster, to add more resources
Context
Livestock (particularly in the form of beef production) is a huge driver of global deforestation, and nature degradation more broadly, thus imparting an ecological opportunity cost. Also a huge source of methane emissions
Paradoxical example found
‘To beef up nature spending’

ENGINE
Metaphorical meaning
To power, drive, resource a given activity
Context
Engines, particularly in the form of internal combustion engines, are a significant source of global GHG emissions. Not to mention their proxy involvement in the destruction of ecosystems, through the powering of bulldozers, chainsaws etc
Paradoxical example found
‘Engines of biodiversity’

PIPELINE
Metaphorical meaning
A steady stock & flow of resources, opportunities
Context
Pipelines form a significant aspect of the vast, sprawling global network of fossil fuel-enabling infrastructure. More than 24,000km of new oil pipelines are under development globally, equivalent to almost twice the Earth’s diameter
Paradoxical example found
‘Creating pipelines of renewable energy’

It will be interesting to see what happens with these metaphors. Will they be replaced as decarbonisation continues? Or carry on like so many other relics of times past.
Have you seen any examples of these metaphors? Would love to add to the list!

Originally available here