More communication please

Undoubtedly, climate change is an issue that encompasses all aspects of our lives. Its effects are widespread and cause devastation worldwide. If this is such a pressing issue, why are we not talking about it more? One problem that has been brought to my attention multiple times is that people often do not understand scientists. Scientists, generally, report their findings in a way that is understandable to other scientists. It is difficult for the average person to then interpret and comprehend complex findings on climate science, without having the appropriate background knowledge. With an issue such as climate change, it is imperative that information is easily accessible and incorporates input from the stakeholders involved. The information laid out in the reading by Meadow et al. on coproduction of climate science knowledge is something that should be widely incorporated into our decision-making. The authors of this article provided frameworks that could be applicable to different relationships that exist between scientists and stakeholders. In order for scientists to present data to the public they must make it understandable for the laypeople, and in turn stakeholders must provide scientists with feedback on what they need for their specific communities. To create the most valuable output of scientific information, I think that it requires cooperation between all groups that wouldn’t normally talk to each other. Coproduction of scientific knowledge is a necessity in our changing world, especially when it comes to climate change.

Comments

[Gabby Makatura]

I completely agree with your post. What I have been slowly learning in the last few months is that people are sick of hearing about climate change, especially if they aren't completely on board with it. We need to start re-framing it, and just like you mentioned, offer it in an understandable way. This week I watched Damnation and Watershed and I think both of those documentaries delivered scientific information in a way that was both interesting and understandable. I also think by delivering their information in this visual and intriguing way they were probably able to reach audiences who would not normally seek out something like this!

[Alec Brazeau]

I also agree with your post. I think that coproduction is a great way to get buy-in on scientific knowledge, however we have to be careful with it. More participants can lead to more bias. On top of that, I fear that the coproduction of scientific knowledge may seem like scientists are coddling and hand-holding decision makers through a complicated process. The last thing that scientists need is to seem like they are patronizing decision makers, and I fear that the coproduction of scientific knowledge may create that dynamic if it becomes a regular practice.