Words matter when talking about climate change. They influence thinking and ultimately behaviors. We contend that certain kinds of words frequently used in climate change communication, namely euphemisms, can undermine the objectives of raising climate change awareness and changing behaviors to reduce emissions. We characterize euphemisms related to climate change issues and show how they are often manipulated to serve vested interests opposing climate change action. In particular, we highlight euphemistic names of astroturfing organizations that aim to persuade consumers or citizens. We conclude by suggesting some practical ways to prevent or avoid detrimental consequences associated with euphemisms and draw several policy implications.

在谈论气候变化时，言语很重要。它们影响思维并最终影响行为。我们认为，气候变化交流中经常使用的某些类型的词，即委婉语，可能会破坏提高气候变化意识和改变行为以减少排放的目标。我们描述了与气候变化问题相关的委婉说法，并展示了它们如何经常被操纵以服务于反对气候变化行动的既得利益。我们特别强调了旨在说服消费者或公民的 astroturfing 组织的委婉名称。最后，我们提出了一些预防或避免与委婉语相关的不利后果的实用方法，并得出了一些政策含义。