COMMUNICATING CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE HEARTLAND

Much communication on climate focuses on sea-level change and the impact of extreme weather on larger cities, especially those along coasts. For the past two years we have been collaborating on a video documentary tentatively titled “Hot Times in the Heartland,” aimed at framing the conversation about the impact of climate change on the southern Great Plains, especially in Kansas. We have interviewed farmer and ranchers, environmentalists and activists, politicians, members of the faith community, students, climatologists, tribal members, and researchers from the Konza Prairie at Kansas State University, the University of Kansas. The expertise and perspectives of these diverse voices make clear the keen awareness of the impact of climate change on the Great Plains, even in a politically conservative state. The resulting documentary is in production and expected to be available for broadcast in fall 2023. Clips of interviews that have been presented on social media show a wide range of interest, and make clear the reach and effectiveness of video production in elucidating this existential issue.