Improving communication of climate change science to public audiences : early career ocean scientists and science interpreters engage with social scientists

Abstract

This manuscript describes a qualitative study based on the results of interviews with early career scientists (graduate students and postdocs) who participated as “science fellows” along with science interpreters for training led by social scientists as to how to discuss ocean and climate change issues with general audiences. Based on the interviews, the science fellows were generally enthusiastic and effective participants in the program, and the training gave them more confidence for discussing the effects of climate change on the ocean. In addition, and of equal importance, the science fellows generally believed that the training helped them organize their written and oral presentations of their own science for their professional colleagues and is a lasting benefit to their career development.