Researchers with the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication argue that communication about climate change should emphasize five key facts: “1. Scientists agree; 2. It’s real; 3. It’s us; 4. It’s bad; 5. … There’s hope!” (See: https://climatecommunication.yale.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Five-Facts-Ten-Words.pdf (Links to an external site.)). Drawing upon course material – lectures, readings, podcasts, tutorial discussions – discuss the role that different types and approaches to climate communication play in shaping public awareness and engagement with these five key facts. Possible questions you may wish to consider in developing your response include: How (and why) have disinformation campaigns been used to block or undermine awareness of these facts? What are the most important factors to consider in expanding and improving communication in these areas? Do some of these facts deserve greater attention or emphasis than others? What role have different forms of climate communication – public relations, science and risk communication, journalism, advocacy, etc. – played in emphasizing (or ignoring) these facts? Is anything missing from this list – are there additional facts, beliefs or arguments that you think should also be prioritized? You have a limited amount of space to write your response. Your essay should not (and cannot) summarize everything we have covered over the term that touches upon these broad themes and questions. Instead, we are looking for you to identify and discuss what you believe to be the most important material – i.e. ideas, concepts, arguments, practices, examples, etc. – in assessing the role of climate communication in shaping public awareness and engagement with these five key facts.
