Communicating Climate Change: Being Articulate without Knowing Everything The Wildlife Society 18th Annual Conference, November 5th 2011 Waikoloa, Hawaii
Have you ever been asked if you "believe" in global warming on a day when it's unseasonably cold out? Wanted to explain how cool weather is a product of global climate change, but you were lost for words? Well, this workshop is for you and many others...Like many other threats to biodiversity, climate change is intertwined with social and political actions. However, unlike many other threats, the miscommunication and misinformation of the science of climate change is a major impediment to management action. Despite mounting research and observations of changing animal and plant populations, skepticism, from colleagues, policy-makers, and the public, remains common. To counter misinformation and misunderstanding, scientists and natural resource managers must learn to communicate the complex, multi-scale nature of climate change in an accurate, concise, and engaging manner to their stakeholders. In this workshop, an expert in climate communication, Susan Hassol (Director, Climate Communication) will guide wildlife scientists and natural resource managers in the following: knowing your audience, "packaging" your research/work, countering misinformation/misunderstanding, and developing effective responses for climate-related questions. The day will feature a mix of presentations, discussions, and hands-on role playing. By the end of the day, participants will have a good grasp of the basic techniques and skill involved in effectively communicating climate change and will have practiced the techniques and skills they learn. Workshop Fee: $60 Professional, $40 Student To Register: http://www.wildlifesociety.org/ Questions: Olivia LeDee, ledee at wisc.edu
