Here Be Science Show Dragons: Ice, Icons and Metaphoric Approaches to Climate Change Communication

This chapter explores ‘science shows’—a medium fusing live science demonstrations with theatrical presentation—and their potential to communicate, entertain and transform meaning around climate change, particularly using ice, fire and other iconic representations. Climate icons are entities or representations through which individuals relate to and find meaning regarding climate change, acting as personal metaphors to engage with its overwhelming nature. The genre of science shows is described, unpacking their origins and connections to affect and motivation—including the use of ice within shows—before discussing case studies of climate change shows (including features such as relevance, narrative and emotions). Considerations for climate change science shows are discussed, including empowering narratives that balance climate impacts with possible solutions, the use of icons such as ice, fire, flatulence and mangroves and how culture and relevance shape effective iconography. Examining shortcomings, evolution and possible extensions of these shows reveals the potential for metaphor as a narrative device to transform meaning and illuminate paths to positive, sustainable futures—and the risks of metaphors that may fuel climate anxiety and disengage individuals. Finally, a show currently under development, Net-Zero Dragon, is sketched out, bringing many of these ideas together.