Climate Change vs COVID-19 - A Comparative Analysis of Global Crises in Canadian Newspaper Coverage

Considering the comparative threats and differing public and institutional responses to the climate crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, many have been quick to draw parallels between the two global crises. In recognition of the media’s influence over public behaviour, this study examines Canadian newspaper coverage of climate change and COVID-19, comparing the volume of coverage and the framing of both crises. The purpose of this research is to identify the differences and similarities in the coverage of climate change and COVID-19 and draw potential implications of the media’s respective treatment of both crises in the Canadian context. The findings identify several key differences in the volume of coverage and framing of the crises. According to agenda setting and framing theory, these findings offer insight into the media’s role in Canada’s dissimilar responses to climate change and COVID-19