Communication

Harding (1998) claims that scientists have the responsibility to share their latest discoveries which could

ensure the sustainability of our cities and have a major role to play in promoting a good public understanding of science. Achieving effective communication of science is particularly crucial when it comes to topics with high importance for the society such as global warming and climate change which are continuously discussed within both scientific and public arena (Bell 1994, Boykoff and Roberts 2007). So how do we go about doing this? Communicating to the public is a difficult issue but which party makes it difficult, is it the scientists? Or the general public? I will be looking at ways that geoscience is communicated to the public and then to the academic community and try to look at the differences, similarities and the possible need for change to the system.

Is it wrong that I have referenced this blog in a scientific way?

Should it be more informal, chatty or simple to understand?

I’m hoping that these questions will be answered during the duration of this blog.

Harding, 1998, Environmental decision-making: The roles of scientists, engineers, and the public, Sydney, Federation Press.

Bell, 1994, Media (mis)communication on the science of climate change. Public Understanding of Science, vol.3, pp.259-275.