Climate Information and Misinformation: Getting the Message Out
Abstract
While it is commonly accepted that improved science comprehension is a key element to informed decisions on the many societal issues that interface with science and technology, it is not always clear what that understanding should entail. Is it knowledge of a set of facts and their context, the ability to read scientific papers, familiarity with data sets and their strengths and limitations, the development of original research? Physical scientists continue to operate assuming the deficit model: that lack of societal engagement results from ignorance or lack of information. Yet, in the case of climate, an active community of citizen scientists is engaged in a parallel research activity that aims to audit the basic tenets of the field, thus illustrating that greater literacy does not necessarily lead to consensus. Communication experts have long noted the inadequacy of the deficit model, highlighting the importance of prior knowledge, interests, and values. Science communicators recommend direct public engagement using non-traditional tools and fora. Here we explore three modes of engaging the public on the theme of climate change skepticism: a report published by a major financial institution (following a deficit model, but targeting a highly educated non-science community), blogging (using the broad potential reach and ongoing engagement of the internet), and student discussion groups (taking a participatory 'community outreach' approach).
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2010
- Bibcode:
- 2010AGUFMED31D..07C
- Keywords:
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- 0815 EDUCATION / Informal education;
- 0820 EDUCATION / Curriculum and laboratory design;
- 1699 GLOBAL CHANGE / General or miscellaneous;
- 6349 POLICY SCIENCES / General or miscellaneous