Place, Curiosity, and Connection: Applying a Four Truth Lens to Climate Change Communication in Two Iconic National Parks

Each year, millions of people visit national parks, unaware that many parks’ namesake features are in jeopardy. National parks in southern California and Alaska are experiencing the effects of climate change at an accelerated rate compared to other areas of the country. This paper examines the implications for site programming that emerge when the Four-Truth Framework, developed by the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, is applied to how people respond to climate change at Joshua Tree and Glacier Bay National Parks. Our research team collected data onsite and online in 2023 through observations, artifact analysis, and semi-structured interviews with staff, stakeholders, and visitors—using Reflexive Thematic Analysis to generate our findings. By harnessing the power of the Four-Truth Framework, interpreters can foster a sense of place, encourage critical curiosity, and ultimately shift the dynamics of climate change communication.