INFORMATION NEEDS OF THE U.S. PUBLIC ON CLIMATE AND GLOBAL CHANGE: A STRATEGY FOR COMMUNICATION, EDUCATION, AND ENGAGEMENT

Climate science is a complex and challenging area. Yet, it is increasingly important for the public to have a sound scientific understanding of climate and global change decision-making, including uncertainty. Understanding uncertainty is a critical thinking skill and is an element of improved understanding of science. It is important for citizens to consider the limitations of science such that outcomes may have limited predictability.

Engaging climate education and communication is a primary role of the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP), a congressionally mandated consortium of 13 Federal agencies that works to build a sound scientific foundation for global change knowledge, skill, and decision making. The USGCRP strategy for communication, education, and engagement efforts addresses the need for broadening public awareness and understanding of global change through better understanding of citizens’ existing knowledge and information needs. The communication and education objectives complement efforts described in other USGCRP strategic goals such as advancing scientific knowledge of the integrated components of the Earth system.