SociableSport

Recession...

It's a big, dark, gloomy word.

'Current economic climate' is a much happier phrase, and one everyone seems to prefer. Here's why -

'Current' invokes a sense of immediacy. It also implies that the future is yet unknown - that it is likely to change. Imagine 'economic climate' without the word current. The duration of the description would seem much longer.

'Economic' (instead of, say, recessionary) is a very vague word. When we talk about 'economic forces' or 'economic factors' we invariably talk about things beyond our control. When they are under our control they become policy - monetary policy, fiscal stimulus etc. This sense of vagueness is coupled with disownership. The word 'economic' is itself an adjective relating to the word 'economy' (a noun). And what it is here we're describing as economic?

'Climate' - also likely to change, also beyond our control (unless you're in a really nice car). To be exposed to a certain climate is to be subject to certain external circumstances - such as heat or cold, or rain and snow. But these are all things you can make the most of - some people don't like too heat but some do and vice versa - it's a matter of opinion. As humans, we can adapt to different climates to suit our own preferences. In this sense, then, an economic climate is whatever you want it to be. If you're the type that won't go outside unless it's precisely 24degrees with zero chance of precipitation, then perhaps you'll be agitated when the temperature rises or falls, or if clouds start to form in the sky. Even so, in this case 'climate' is only a 'current' situation, by definition it is not consistent. The current temperature may be 22degrees - or even 12degrees - but it's not going to stay like that forever. So, even if you're a die-hard cynic refusing to leave the comfort of your climate-controlled home unless there's a clear, blue sky and a warm 24degrees showing on the baraometer, you can sit by the window and wait for things to get better because - eventually - they will.

'Recession', on the other hand, is like a hurricane. Hurricanes can be very dangerous and very unpredictable. Everyone is adviced to stay indoors and even the emergency services struggle to cope in the stormy conditions. No one feels safe and no one really knows how bad it's going to be, how long it will last or where it's going to cause the most damage. What we do know is that it won't last forever, but when one comes along our main concern should be protecting ourselves from the associated dangers. This is no time for sitting by the window wondering when the sun is going to have his hat on - you may get a face full of glass!

Can you see the difference? By describing a recession using the phrase 'current economic climate' we avoid the need to 'weather the storm'. Instead, we describe something that's out of reach (economic), as being short-lived (current) and something perfectly natural (climate).

It's a climate of expectancy (let's look forward to when it gets better!) rather than a climate of fear (how bad is it going to get?).

I don't know about you, but it's back to work for me!

Lyndon