Introduction
The environment has become a growing topic of public conversation in Latin America, fueled by phenomena such as forest fires, heatwaves, and floods. However, in Mexico, the quantity of mentions about the topic is noteworthy, as well as the emotions it evokes.
Digital vs. Traditional Media
According to a study by the ECR platform of Delta Analytics, compiled in the LatAm Intersect Analysis Reports, when it comes to climate change news in digital media, fear and loneliness predominate among Mexicans. However, perceptions vary depending on the channel.
- Digital Platforms: Fear accounts for 24% of mentions, followed by happiness (19%) and surprise (18%).
- Traditional Media: More negative emotions, such as fear, loneliness, and surprise, are prevalent.
Roger Darashah, co-director of LatAm Intersect, explains that this difference is due to the context: “While we see more space for positive emotional expressions and unexpected reactions in social media, traditional media tends to focus on risks, losses, and challenges.”
Regional Variations
Argentina and Colombia show distinct patterns: in Argentina, surprise leads with 28%, while in Colombia it reaches 31%, the highest percentage in the region.
Mexico’s Unique Pattern
In Mexico, loneliness leads with 23%, followed by fear (21%) and surprise (19%). Argentina shows similar patterns, with fear and loneliness each accounting for 23% of publications. In Colombia, fear dominates (24%).
This contrast highlights how media framing can amplify feelings of isolation and concern.
COP30 Preparation
Understanding public sentiment towards environmental issues is crucial as we approach COP30, where governments, businesses, and civil society will discuss urgent commitments to tackle the climate crisis. The summit is set for November 2025, with Brazil as the host.
“In Latin America, the environment is no longer a distant topic but a tangible concern,” Darashah concluded.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What emotions are predominant in digital discussions about climate change in Mexico? A: Fear (24%), happiness (19%), and surprise (18%) are the most common emotions.
- Q: How do traditional media portray climate change-related emotions in Mexico? A: Traditional media focuses on more negative emotions, such as fear, loneliness, and surprise.
- Q: What makes Mexico’s emotional response to climate change unique? A: Loneliness is the most prevalent emotion (23%), followed by fear (21%) and surprise (19%).
- Q: How do regional variations in emotional responses to climate change reflect media framing? A: Media context significantly influences public emotions, with digital platforms allowing for more spontaneous expressions and traditional media focusing on risks and challenges.
- Q: Why is understanding public sentiment crucial for COP30? A: Understanding public emotions is essential for crafting messages that motivate action on climate change during COP30, where urgent commitments will be discussed.
