Why comedians use jokes to talk about climate change » Yale Climate Connection

Transcript:

Climate change and comedy are not a natural pairing. But a few years ago, comedian Stewart Goldsmith became frustrated with climate change.

Goldsmith: “I found I couldn't really talk about anything else. I wasn't thinking about anything else. As a result, I brought it to the stage.

He began filling his daily life with jokes, from the challenge of remembering reusable food containers to his smugness about reducing his carbon footprint.

Goldsmith: “In comedy, we talk about problems. The problem is the material.

Climate change can be a depressing topic.

Goldsmith: “It's easy to be like, 'Oh, God, you're not going to mention climate again.'” My wife, God bless her, has had to put up with so many versions of me being asked about it at social events .

But he said talking about it on the show reduced his fear.

He hopes to help his listeners feel empowered to find their own ways to combat climate change.

Goldsmith: “I think if we're all as bleak and hopeless and hopeless as I feel sometimes…if people feel that way, I want to give them some comfort and make them feel better, because those who feel better, Happier, more united people mobilize to take more action.