Communicating the Science of Climate Change: A Mutual Challenge for Scientists and Educators

Abstract

Despite a broad consensus amongst scientific experts that climate change is a serious issue needing the attention of policy communities and the public now, there is considerable public confusion about the related science, and a general apathy about the issue. The confusion about the science can be attributed to a combination of factors, including ineffective communication skills of the scientists involved, misinformation presented by contrarians and the failure of media to distinguish between scientific debate about detail versus significance. Educators and scientists must work together more effectively to address these barriers through improved access to comprehensible and quality information, and to foster a learning environment of critical thinking amongst students studying climate change.