Carbon Chronicles: A Framing Analysis of Climate Coverage in Leading Emitter Nations (China, USA, and India)

Abstract

Aim of the Study: The analysis investigates climate change reporting through prominent English-language newspapers within China, the United States, and India, the top GHG-emitting states. The research analyzes media attention to climate change as well as climate-related framing and major international climate impacts on news coverage within these three major global emission countries.

Methodology: A quantitative content analysis analyzed climate-related news items and editorials published from April 4th, 2021, to April 3rd, 2023, within China Daily in China and US Today in the US, and the Times of India in India. Researchers studied 1,181 news articles to investigate the quantity of coverage and media presentation styles as well as their response to the release of the IPCC AR6.

Findings: The Times of India published climate-related content at 54.7%, while China Daily published at 33% and US Today at 12.3%. Science reporting on climate change stretched to 15.98% of all news content following the release of IPCC AR6. Results showed that the “Attribution of Responsibility” frame stood as the primary frame found in 35.9% of the examined news articles.

Conclusion: The findings highlight a disparity in the volume of climate coverage across the top-emitting countries while also pointing to a shared increase in media attention following the release of IPCC AR6. The Indian press demonstrated the highest level of engagement. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of global climate communication and underscores the critical role of media in shaping public discourse on climate change.