METAPHORS OF WAR IN CLIMATE CHANGE DISCOURSE: A COGNITIVE LINGUISTICS PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

In this paper, I will mention the use of metaphors of war in the context of climate change as the subject of cognitive linguistics. Since the topic of climate change is urgent and the militaristic language used to explain an environmental crisis is in circulation, the research in question examines the impact of these kinds of metaphors on social usage and participation in relation to climate change. It was done through the discourse analysis methodology applied in the investigation of the chosen texts of the international climate change reports, media articles, and political speeches. Results are indicative of metaphors of war framing climate change as an enemy to emphasize the urgency and stimulate action, as well as aiding in the development of narratives of conflict, which detracts from the availability of a shared solution. The report showcases the mental processes of the war metaphors and what they can do to the perception of climate change in the minds of the society. The results of this analysis are valuable to the growing literature regarding the use of metaphors in environmental speech, but also provides novel information regarding the use of language in forming the vision of global crises.