Decoding the language of climate change
In the high-stakes world of climate negotiations, every word matters. From grappling with metaphors to the nuanced interpretations of terms like “energy,” translators at global climate summits face the formidable task of ensuring each detail is precisely conveyed.
Take Jianjun Chen, a Chinese language translator with the United Nations in Geneva. He recalls the intense, sleepless hours leading up to the final document adoption at COP24 in Katowice, Poland, in 2018. "We returned to the hotel at 4:00 am, slept for two hours, and were immediately called back to translate the outcome documents,” he shares. For Chen, who has worked at 13 UN climate talks, such as COP21 in Paris, translating complex documents under severe time constraints is all in a day's work.
This year’s UN climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan, for COP29 will introduce Chen and 25 other translators to fresh climate-related terminology, shaping the global approach to tackling climate change.
Wordplay in translation
In English, the word "energy" is straightforward, but its equivalents differ widely across languages. For example, in Hindi, ‘oorja’ denotes physical energy, while ‘shakti’ suggests spiritual energy. In Mandarin, ‘néngliàng’ and ‘néngyuán’ separate energy as a concept from energy sources like solar power.
The challenge is amplified by dense climate reports brimming with scientific jargon. Translators must fully grasp both the technical and environmental meanings of terms like "carbon neutrality" and "loss and damage." "A lot of the reports are written by scientists," Chen explains. "We need extensive technical expertise."
Striking the right tone
Sometimes, even straightforward phrases can pose a dilemma. Last year at COP28 in Dubai, countries struggled to agree on including fossil fuels in the UN climate pledge, with the final text committing to “transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems.” For Chen, translating this phrase into Mandarin was tricky, as the Chinese language often requires specifying what the transition moves toward. His solution was to describe it as "gradually distancing ourselves from fossil fuels,” balancing accuracy with tone.
In other languages, translators may need to get creative. For instance, in Bengali, the English phrase "just transition" has no direct equivalent. Researchers opted for “kalo theke aalo”, meaning "from darkness to hope," to communicate the shift from coal to sustainable alternatives in a culturally resonant way.
The power of framing
Metaphoric language, such as likening climate change to a "time bomb," can carry unintended messages. "A time bomb implies irreversible destruction,” says ecological linguist Arran Stibbe, “while climate change is more gradual and can be mitigated.” Translators must also tackle “dead metaphors,” where once-meaningful phrases lose impact. For example, "carbon footprint" translates well to ‘tàn zújì;’ in Chinese, but “tipping point” is rendered as “critical point” to convey the urgency without exaggeration.
Climate justice and inclusivity
Beyond language, translators help bridge cultural perspectives in climate talks, particularly around climate justice. Wealthier countries bear responsibility for climate-induced damages in developing nations, and phrases like "loss and damage" carry heavy political weight. Translators must be cautious, as subtle differences can have significant legal or financial implications.
Engaging indigenous and marginalized communities, who are often on the front lines of climate impacts, is also critical. Yet, language barriers persist. During Hurricane Beryl in Houston, Texas, local Asian, Arabic, and Somali-speaking residents lacked vital storm information due to insufficient translations. “Climate justice demands effective communication,” says Lisa Hayward from the University of Washington.
As Chen prepares for COP29, his mission is to facilitate understanding. "Translation becomes our universal language, bridging gaps and ensuring every voice is heard in this crucial dialogue," he says.
Source: BBC
