Talkin’ Climate Change

The Best Ways to Communicate Climate Change

Heather Goldstone and Elsa Partan, August 13, 2018 (WCAI/National Public Radio)

“…[Fear is an avoidance emotion, and doesn’t necessarily lead to motivation becausepeople tend to become overwhelmed and shut-down.] Often it can lead to increased skepticism…[According to the University of Utah’s Meaghan McKasy, who won the International Association for Media and Communication Research’s 2018 Climate Communication Award,] facts are the most important part of disseminating climate information…[But it must be presented in a way that increases] people’s understanding and motivation…[It is important to] leave people with the notion that they can do something…[and] present people with tangible actions…[Emotions can inhibit or increase] motivation…[While fear can cause shut down, anger] is trickier…[It can lead to impulsive decisions, but it] can also lead people to more buy-in…[The whole strategy is engage] but be respectful. Stick to facts. And don’t overload the facts…” click here for more

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