Climate Change Communication How is climate change being communicated and what are the important elements of communication?

Questions I hope to answer… What media forms are being used to communicate about climate change? What communication strategies are being used in these media forms?

Where do you get your information? Phone Television Computer Magazines Books Radio Other

Climate change is in magazines…

… movies,

…and advertisements.

6 Tips to Persuasive Communications Claim Big Names “Logos” “Pathos” “Ethos” “Kairos” In the following slides, we will explore these common tools for effective, persuasive communications.

Claim State your argument. “We need to lower our energy consumption to help mitigate climate change today.” (example)

Big Names For example, the well- known actor Leonardo DiCaprio thinks Climate Change is the most important environmental issue today. Important people or experts can make your argument more convincing. Term definition and layout source: ReadWriteThink.org

Logos For example, when greenhouse gas emissions increase, they trap more heat near the Earth. This is a fact. Facts, numbers, and information can be very convincing. Term definition and layout source: ReadWriteThink.org

Pathos Getting people to feel happy, sad, or angry can help argue your point. Term definition and layout source: ReadWriteThink.org

Ethos “I have spent the last several months in conversation with climate experts, fellow legislators, and my constituents to understand what policies we can adopt to address global warming.” - Former MN State Representative Maria Ruud If people believe and trust you, they’re more likely to learn from you. Term definition and layout source: ReadWriteThink.org

Kairos “Now is the time to act in the best interest of our economy and environment.” - Former MN State Representative Maria Ruud Try to convince your audience that this issue is so important they must act now. Term definition and layout source: ReadWriteThink.org

Research The 5 th report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that: “the warming of the climate system is unequivocal ” and many aspects of it are “unprecedented” Using reliable research can help your argument seem convincing. Term definition and layout source: ReadWriteThink.org

Credits Thank you to the International Reading Association for granting permission to adapt their slideshow on persuasive communication techniques. The original slideshow and a link to the lesson that accompanies it can be found at: Manning, E. (2007). Can you convince me? Developing persuasive writing. ReadWriteThink.org. Retrieved January 12, 2008, from The advertisements are taken from the Union of Concerned Scientists’ website: Fact vs. Fiction. The Union of Concerned Scientists. Retrieved on March 5, 2007, from people-ucs-ad-response-to-automakers.html