Climate models are a “foundation” of climate understanding … and also a “lightning rod” in the climate debate. So where is the coverage of models in mainstream news outlets? In some of the most prominent sources, it’s in opinion, and not in news columns, a researcher suggests.
Posted inClimate Science, Feature Article, Policy & Politics
Penn State Geologist Richard Alley Hosts First of Three PBS Documentaries
Respected Penn State geologist Richard Alley becomes a PBS documentary host in the first of a three-part series airing in April with funding from the National Science Foundation. But can the “Operator’s Manual” companion book really “convince even the most obstinate climate-change denier” as one reviewer anticipates?
Posted inEnergy, Feature Article
Energy Efficiency and ‘The Rebound Effect’
“Rebound” effect and “backfire” are big on certain journalism blogs these days, but reporters should take heed in not over-doing the current buzz on the reverse effects of energy efficiency measures.
Posted inAnalysis
Teaching … and Re-Teaching … Climate Science 101
House hearings on EPA rulemaking offers opportunities — and challenges and frustrations — of re-teaching and re-learning fundamentals of climate science … and of the proverbial ‘consensus.’
Posted inClimate Science, Feature Article
AAAS Media/Science Panel Highlights Differences Distinguishing Science and Journalism
An AAAS panel delves into the proper role of media in ‘convincing’ the public about climate change and explores differing views on what precisely makes news, helping illustrate scientists’ and media’s sometimes vast cultural differences.
Posted inReview
Novelists Try Climate Change Story Telling: A Critical Review of Two Recent Entries
Wanted: Climate change-based novels with a strong dose of story, vivid character development, a strong theme, and setting or atmosphere. Climate change focus alone may not be sufficient.
Posted inClimate Science, Feature Article
‘Rapid Response Team’ Pairs Scientists and Media
Think of it as the climate scientists/journalists version of “eHarmony.” A volunteer website launched by scientists serves as a matchmaking venue for media outlets and government officials looking for input on climate science topics.
Posted inCommunicating Climate
Making the Complicated Clear: Interactive Graphics Make Data Visual
It’s never been easy to report on climate change or many other environmental topics, for that matter. The issues are not only complicated, they’re often invisible. But journalists have to make them understandable to a general audience. When words and pictures just aren’t enough, consider what graphics can do to make complexity clear especially online. […]
Posted inClimate Science
Google Announces 21 Ph.D. Scientists As ‘Science Communication Fellows’
Twenty-one newly named “Google Science Communication Fellows”, early to mid-career Ph.D. scientists nominated by their peers in science-based organizations nationwide, are embarking on an effort to “foster a more open, transparent, and accessible scientific dialogue” focusing initially on climate change.
Posted inFeature Article
TV Met Ryan Blogs on Krauthammer: ‘It’s not religion … It’s science’
Those having spent much time around Washington, D.C.’s frenetic “inside the Beltway” culture will recognize the names Gordon Peterson and Bob Ryan as among the region’s most senior and most respected TV anchors and weathercasters, respectively.
Posted inFeature Article, Policy & Politics, Religion & Morality
Incremental? Yes. But A Growing Role for Social Sciences in Climate Change Dialog
No more assuming that scientific data alone will carry the day with the public and its policymakers. The continuing climate change polarization shows more of the same approach won’t work. Michigan Professor Andrew Hoffman insists that social scientists increasingly need to be part of the dialog.
Posted inArts & Culture, Climate Science, Feature Article
Academy Draws Scientists, Artists to Hollywood for ‘Summit’ on Science Education
LOS ANGELES, CA — “After a winter like this, how can you believe in global warming?” … “Climate change? Earth’s climate has always changed. Temperatures go up, temperatures go down.” … “Doesn’t the sun have something to do with it getting hotter?” You’ve heard it all before. The disconnect between climate science and what many […]