ABSTRACT
The Earth Optimism movement, promoted by both the Smithsonian Institution and the Cambridge Conservation Initiative, “strives to frame the environmental narrative from one focused on doom and gloom to one focused on solutions and success.” While the movement concentrates on making evidence-based claims, those claims tend to ignore some of the best available science that forecasts a looming environmental crisis, especially in areas such as biodiversity. While recognizing the importance of including success stories in the environmental narrative, this chapter examines the need for a balanced approach from two perspectives, rhetorical efficacy and ethical responsibility. What are the reasonable and responsible pathways available between apocalyptic and sugarcoated narratives that can serve as best practices for such professionals as environmental writers and environmental educators? It may never be possible to isolate the scope of our environmental problems from the manner in which we portray them. The chapter provides a rhetorical analysis of a recent 60 Minutes national news video as a case study. As a closing thought, the author provides a reflection on how environmental humility, especially in terms of how we haven’t completely figured out the future, comes into play in conversations about Earth Optimism.
