News about Climate, Energy and Global Change

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Publications about Climate and Global Change

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Not least because of climate change scientists have more than ever realized how important the way of presenting scientific results is. Unfortunately, scientific communication, which is characterized by nuance and caution, often contradicts tenets of effective communication. Also we know from social science that people primarily consume news that aligns with their point of view and interests. Scientists are aware that their way of communication has to change in order to reach people on the ground. At the last week's (23-28 April) General Assembly of the European Geosciences Union (EGU) 2017 in Vienna communication was therefore besides an endless number of other scientific presentations a major topic and posed the question: how can complex data be presented in a concise message? First of all, it is crucial to make it an individual concern. This can be achieved by creating analogies to everyday life and addressing key topics of individual and media agenda. But always bare in mind how the message could be perceived (notions of threat, risk etc). Also communication style has to be customized depending on to whom a message is directed. We have to understand what is driving people’s views. At the other end of communication, the presenter matters a lot. Enthusiasm is key. One should communicate through images and stories: Personal life stories, videos and other modern technologies evoke emotions - and should stay preferably positive. The right communication can change a lot, for our science community it is therefore crucial to acquire the skills and tools to communicate more effectively around science-based facts.  

We are wishing you good look with that and hope your messages reach your audience!

The ProClimTeam